Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has set her terms for withdrawing her threat to call a vote on Speaker Mike Johnson’s removal.
During a lengthy meeting yesterday initiated by Greene to discuss potential solutions, the MAGA figure and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) outlined a list of policy demands they want met before abandoning their plans.
Some of the demands, as reported by sources familiar with the discussions, include:
- No additional aid for Ukraine;
- A return to the “Hastert Rule,” which requires majority support from the House majority for legislation to be voted on;
- Cutting funding for special counsel investigations into former President Donald Trump in upcoming appropriations; and
- Implementation of the “Massie Rule,” which involves automatic across-the-board cuts to government funding if no agreement is reached by a specified deadline.
They are scheduled to reconvene today at 12:30 p.m. in hopes of reaching a resolution. Spokespeople for Greene and Johnson have not commented on the discussions, but the speaker expressed a conciliatory tone following yesterday’s meeting, expressing understanding for Greene’s position and committing to maintaining unity within the party.
Despite the pressure for Republican party unity in an election year, Greene is facing resistance from frustrated GOP colleagues and skepticism from party leader, Trump.
Johnson may be able to accommodate some of Greene’s demands. With Congress having already addressed critical issues such as government funding, debt ceiling, and surveillance authorities, Johnson could adhere to the Hastert Rule.
Democrats previously agreed to a version of the Massie Rule during spending talks with former speaker Kevin McCarthy, indicating Johnson may be able to do the same.
Regarding Ukraine, Congress recently approved $60 billion in aid for Kyiv, but Greene may push for additional aid authorization in the annual Pentagon policy bill later this year.
However, defunding special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Trump could pose challenges. Front-line Republicans and Democrats have historically opposed such actions, potentially leading to a federal shutdown if Greene insists on this demand.
While no agreement has been reached yet, both sides appear willing to find a resolution. A mutually beneficial solution would spare Johnson from a risky vote and help maintain party unity during the election season.
For Greene, her relationship with Trump and his allies is at stake. Trump has made it clear that he wants to avoid further internal party conflicts this election year.
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