In a move that’s undoubtedly rattled some political cages, Georgia’s fiery Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has tossed a grenade into the proverbial House of Cards, filing a motion to give Speaker Mike Johnson an early retirement package. Why the uproar? Well, it seems a $1.2 trillion spending spree, generously sprinkled with left-wing goodies but devoid of Republican essentials, was the straw that broke the elephant’s back.
Greene criticized the Omnibus bill for its left-wing earmarks while neglecting the needs of Republican voters. She urged Johnson to prevent its passage on the floor and condemned its deviation from the party’s fundamental principles as a stark violation of the party’s principles.
Addressing her colleagues on the House floor, Greene emphasized the bill’s betrayal of Republican values, particularly highlighting its incongruity with the pro-life stance often championed by party members. Asserting that no Republican could endorse such legislation, she labeled it a “Unipart minibus,” underscoring her belief that it reflects Democrat control despite originating from the ostensibly Republican-dominated House.
According to Greene, this is “not a Republican Bill” but a Chuck Schumer Bill. She also said that the Republicans are supposed to be running the show, but “our majority has been completely handed over to Democrats.”
No Republican in good conscience can vote for the uniparty minibus.
This is not a Republican bill. It is a Chuck Schumer, Democrat-controlled bill coming from the “Republican-controlled” House.
The Speaker of the House should not bring it to the floor. pic.twitter.com/EGosNo5Sz7
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) March 22, 2024
Despite Greene’s vigorous objections, the bill passed in the House by a vote of 286-134, with 101 Republicans voting in favor. In response, Greene introduced a motion to vacate the speakership, signaling her dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership.
However, due to procedural constraints, the motion to give Johnson the boot will not be considered until after the recess, allowing for further deliberation. Greene characterized her move as a “warning shot,” clarifying that it was intended to prompt reflection and initiate a process of selecting a new Speaker who would more faithfully represent Republican interests. She views the motion to vacate as a virtual “pink slip.”
However, Johnson’s spokesperson, Raj Shah, maintained that the Speaker remains focused on governance, emphasizing his commitment to advancing conservative legislation aimed at border security, national defense, and expanding the party’s majority.
Johnson’s tenure has been scrutinized for what some perceive as capitulation on key issues, including fiscal responsibility and national security. Despite these criticisms, he has remained steadfast in his approach, drawing support and dissent within the Republican Party.
During the weekend, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) expressed his utter disbelief on social media regarding the creation of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center, which was tucked away in the omnibus bill. Additionally, Massie accused the Department of Justice of intentionally delaying the announcement of the new National Red Flag Center until after the omnibus bill’s passage, effectively hiding the allocation of funds within the overall budget. Greene also swiftly connected the dots between the approval of the funding bill and what she expressed as the government’s intrusive tactics of using every tool on record to spy on American citizens.
Do you approve of the job Mike Johnson is doing as Speaker of the House?
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 23, 2024
Critics, however, have accused Johnson of prioritizing compromise over principle, particularly regarding immigration policy. They contend that his willingness to collaborate with Democrats has resulted in legislation that fails to address Republican concerns regarding border security, instead allocating significant funds to support illegal immigrants.
In a House where Republicans hold just 218 seats to Democrats’ 213, Johnson would be ousted with only three Republican defections.
House Democrats are offering Speaker Johnson a sweet deal: protection from Marjorie Taylor Greene’s wrath in exchange for a little favor. The Speaker must bring a Ukraine aid package to the floor for a vote in exchange for their support.
It appears that the lawmakers are following the lead of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who indicated recently that his caucus would back Speaker Johnson if he decides to put the aid package up for a vote. The $95 billion aid package passed the Senate with significant bipartisan backing. This includes $60 billion allocated for Ukraine, a matter that has garnered some controversy among far-right Republicans, alongside aid provisions for Israel and Taiwan. Although there’s widespread anticipation for the package to clear the House if put to a vote, Speaker Johnson has thus far declined to schedule it for consideration.
