Monday, 20 May 2024

Marjorie Taylor Greene moves forward on vote to oust Mike Johnson


Georgia firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene started the clock to vote on removing House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday, Politico reported, giving the House two days to vote on her motion-to-vacate.

The move comes after Greene met with Johnson and her fellow supporter Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie for two days this week. It is the second effort to remove a House speaker in seven months, after the House removed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy late last year.

The move comes after Greene laid out some demands for Johnson in order to avoid the vote, which included a promise not to pass any more aid to Ukraine, a vow to only bring bills to the floor that have the support of the majority of House Republicans, and the imposition of a one percent budget cut across all agencies if there is no spending deal for fiscal year 2025 by Sept. 30.

Greene previously claimed that the "ball was in Mike Johnson's court," after the two meetings on Monday and Tuesday. But Massie encouraged Johnson to decide quickly on whether to meet the duo's demands, because they would not be going away. 

House leaders are expected to block Greene's motion, according to Politico, citing "a person familiar with leadership's plans," by voting to table the motion. It is expected to be supported by Democrats, who have also indicated that they would help save Johnson if a vote does come up. 

Only Massie, and Arizona Republican Rep. Paul Gosar have expressed support for Greene's effort to remove Johnson so far. But Ohio GOP Rep. Warren Davidson said he would vote against the motion to table. The threat to Johnson's speakership comes after he gathered enough support to pass three major foreign aid bills, which passed with the help of Democrats.


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