Just a few months after House Republicans experienced 23 days of chaotic sessions without a speaker, they are now faced with the possibility of history repeating itself.
On Friday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene took action by filing a “motion to vacate” – a resolution aimed at removing Speaker Mike Johnson. This move came just before the House narrowly passed a $1.2 trillion government funding bill, with most Republicans voting against it.
Upon filing her motion, the Georgia Republican was promptly surrounded by a crowd of reporters and cameras. She emphasized that her intent was to issue a “warning” to Johnson regarding what she perceives as conservative setbacks in recent government funding bills.
House Republicans were immediately stirred up by the mere mention of reopening old wounds.
Many people criticized the notion of removing Johnson from his position, highlighting the distressing events of October. During that time, the Louisiana Republican unexpectedly rose to become the speaker after multiple unsuccessful attempts by other candidates and the first-ever successful motion to vacate in American history. This period was challenging for the GOP conference, to the extent that one Republican was even driven to stress-vomiting.
“We have exhausted, in my opinion, our pool of Republican candidates who possess the necessary experience and credibility to effectively lead a conference with nearly unanimous support,” stated Rep. John Duarte, a Republican representing a swing district in California. “I am uncertain about the future implications if this motion to vacate is successful.”
“I believe it would be interesting to ponder upon Marjorie’s March Madness bracket,” Duarte suggested. “Why don’t we all create our own brackets for Marjorie’s March Madness and take a guess at who the next speaker might be?”
Rep. Mike Lawler, a swing district Republican from New York, expressed his frustration with some conference members who prioritize grandstanding and causing chaos over effective governance. He observed the commotion surrounding Greene just a few feet away from him.
“I believe that this decision is not a wise one,” expressed Representative Carlos Gimenez of Florida. “In my opinion, it is a foolish move.”
Several Republicans who have previously criticized or voted against Kevin McCarthy did not immediately come to Greene’s defense.
During a press conference, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas stated that his main focus was on the appropriations bills. He refrained from expressing a direct opinion on whether he would support a motion to vacate.
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, one of the eight Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy, expressed his indecisiveness regarding the matter. He stated, “I have a keen interest in maintaining a Republican speaker.”
McCarthy’s ousting in October can largely be attributed to the unanimous support of House Democrats for Gaetz’s resolution. They contended that McCarthy had failed to earn their backing and felt no obligation towards a speaker they had grown to despise.
Lawler emphasized the responsibility of Democrats, asserting that they should make it crystal clear to the American people that they have no intention of considering this matter.
Overall, Democrats have shown a willingness to discuss the possibility of saving Johnson from a motion to vacate, but only if he agrees to bring the $93.5 billion Ukraine and Israel aid bill up for a vote.
Lawler vehemently dismissed the idea that Johnson is obligated to Democrats for their votes.
According to Lawler, the country should simply make it clear that they will not participate in the situation, without needing any assurances or deals. This would be the appropriate action to take.
