House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a fellow Republican, met on Wednesday to discuss Greene’s threat to remove Johnson from his position.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a fellow Republican, met on Wednesday to discuss Greene’s threat to remove Johnson from his position. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, did not result in any agreements or commitments, leaving Greene still unhappy with Johnson’s handling of contentious issues like the extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and additional funding for Ukraine.
Greene, who introduced a motion to leave the speaker’s chair before lawmakers left for a two-week recess, stated that Johnson provided “excuses” and no concrete solutions. She emphasized that many in the Republican conference support her motion, despite some criticism. Greene also criticized Johnson’s collaboration with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown, which she believes harms the Republican Party’s interests.
Before the meeting, Johnson defended his leadership approach, acknowledging Greene’s frustration but citing the limitations of a one-vote majority in the House and Democratic control of the Senate and White House. Johnson argued that allowing a government shutdown would harm the Republican Party’s political interests and that a motion to vacate would create chaos in the House.
Regarding Ukraine support, Greene urged Johnson not to bring additional assistance to the floor, emphasizing that the US border is the only border that matters. Johnson has not taken the Senate’s national security supplemental package, which includes support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, to the floor for a vote.
The meeting’s outcome indicates a continued impasse between Johnson and Greene, with no clear resolution in sight. The failure of Johnson’s attempt to extend FISA later on Wednesday, with 19 Republicans voting against the legislation, further strains his relationship with conservative Republicans.
In conclusion, the meeting between Johnson and Greene did not yield a breakthrough, leaving the speakership impasse unresolved. The ongoing tension between Johnson and conservative Republicans, including Greene, threatens the stability of the House leadership and the Republican Party’s political interests. As the political dynamics continue to unfold, the future of Johnson’s speakership and the Republican Party’s agenda remain uncertain.
