Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has initiated efforts to eventually remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position as lawmakers approved a $1.2 trillion spending package to avoid a partial government shutdown. Greene opposed the legislation, calling it a “Democrat-controlled bill” and urged Johnson not to bring it to the floor for a vote. She has introduced a motion to vacate, which would require a vote by the House within two legislative days, although action is likely to be delayed as lawmakers prepare to leave for a two-week recess.
Greene criticized Johnson for endorsing the spending package negotiated with Democratic leaders and the White House, claiming that he surrendered Republican negotiating power to Democrats. She accused him of betraying promises to Republican lawmakers and criticized him for breaking conference rules that require lawmakers to have 72 hours to review legislation before voting. Greene emphasized the need for new leadership in the House that can effectively represent the people and fight against Democratic influence.
The motion to vacate, if successful, would result in Johnson being removed as speaker. This process was used previously to force former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his role last year after he relied on Democrats to pass a government funding bill. Johnson’s collaboration with Democrats on the spending package has drawn criticism from some Republicans, with Greene leading the charge for new leadership. The package, approved by a vote of 286 to 134, funds a significant portion of the federal government through September and will now go to the Senate for a vote.
It remains unclear if House Republicans have the desire to proceed with removing Johnson as speaker, especially as the 2024 election season approaches. Some Democrats have indicated they would support Johnson if there were a vote to remove him from power. Johnson’s willingness to work with Democrats on spending measures mirrors his predecessor’s approach, leading to criticism from far-right members of the GOP conference. The situation reflects ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over leadership and legislative strategy.
Greene’s motion to vacate represents a significant challenge to Johnson’s leadership and could result in a new speaker being chosen. The motion, if successful, would require the House to act swiftly to select a new leader. Greene’s actions highlight the divisions within the GOP and the ongoing struggle for control and influence within the party. As lawmakers prepare to leave for recess, the future of Johnson’s speakership remains uncertain, with potential implications for the Republican Party’s direction and leadership.
