Rep. Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma who leads the House Appropriations Committee, expressed his support for House Speaker Mike Johnson, stating that he is much stronger than people perceive him to be. Cole believes that Johnson has empowered the center and marginalized the extremes on each side of the political spectrum, leading to a productive and positive environment in the House. Despite facing pushback from some members of his party, Johnson has the support of many colleagues who admire and genuinely like him.
The effort to oust Johnson from his position as House Speaker has gained momentum in recent weeks, with three public Republican supporters, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Thomas Massie, and Rep. Paul Gosar. However, Cole emphasized that the number of Republicans who support this motion is relatively small, and he does not anticipate losing as many votes as when Kevin McCarthy was removed from his post last year. The current razor-thin majority in the House means that Johnson can only afford to lose one vote without support from Democrats.
Despite the growing threat to his leadership, Johnson has garnered significant goodwill and support from both sides of the aisle. Cole highlighted the respect and admiration that many Republicans have for Johnson, noting that they appreciate his honesty and straightforward approach. Additionally, the absence of a Speaker for three weeks last year following McCarthy’s removal has made Republicans wary of repeating that situation, further solidifying support for Johnson within the party.
Cole also mentioned that there may not be unified Democratic support for ousting Johnson, particularly among those who supported the foreign aid package, including aid for Ukraine. He believes that both Democrats and Republicans have recognized the potential consequences of removing a Speaker mid-term and view it as a dangerous and irresponsible move. While the option to bring up a vote for Johnson’s removal is within the rules, Cole emphasized that the repercussions of such a decision could be significant for both parties.
Overall, Cole remains confident in Johnson’s ability to lead the House effectively, despite the challenges he currently faces. Johnson’s leadership style, which focuses on collaboration and compromise, has resonated with many members of Congress, leading to a productive legislative environment. With support from both Republicans and Democrats who value stability and continuity in leadership, Johnson may be able to weather the storm and continue to serve as House Speaker.
