House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) mentioned that he and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) exchanged text messages on March 31 and planned to discuss spending and reforms in the upcoming week. This discussion comes after Ms. Greene filed a motion on March 22 to vacate the speakership, following Mr. Johnson’s collaboration with Democrats to pass a $1.2 trillion spending package to prevent a partial government shutdown.
During an interview on Fox News’s “Sunday Night in America With Trey Gowdy,” Mr. Johnson acknowledged Ms. Greene’s frustration over the recent appropriations bills, stating, “Marjorie’s a friend. She’s very frustrated about, for example, the last appropriations bills. Guess what? So am I.” He explained that despite the challenges of passing legislation with a narrow GOP majority in the House, he hopes to work with Ms. Greene on reforming the budgeting and spending process moving forward.
While Ms. Greene’s motion mirrors a previous maneuver used by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) against then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), some lawmakers have expressed skepticism about ousting Mr. Johnson. Mr. Gaetz emphasized the importance of retaining Mr. Johnson to prevent a Democrat speaker from taking over. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) echoed this sentiment, cautioning against the potential consequences of removing Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson highlighted that Ms. Greene’s actions could distract from the GOP’s mission of preserving the republic. He emphasized the need for unity within the party to achieve their goals of securing the House majority, winning the Senate, and the White House.
In response to criticism regarding her motion, Ms. Greene defended her stance during an interview, attributing the GOP’s slim majority in part to lawmakers who have left office. She dismissed concerns that her actions could lead to a Democrat speaker, emphasizing the importance of holding Republican lawmakers accountable.
Additionally, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) secured a commitment from Mr. Johnson to hold a vote on supplemental assistance to Ukraine, a move that could potentially impact Mr. Johnson’s speakership. Given Ms. Greene’s opposition to funding Ukraine, any action taken by Mr. Johnson on this issue may result in a forced vote on the motion to vacate.
Overall, the interactions between Mr. Johnson, Ms. Greene, and other lawmakers underscore the complexities and challenges faced within the GOP. As discussions and debates continue, the party strives to maintain cohesion and focus on their objectives for the future.
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