Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) has acknowledged the possibility that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) might lose his position if he proceeds with holding a vote on aid to Ukraine.
During an appearance on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Bacon acknowledged the possibility that Johnson could lose his position as a result of his handling of Ukraine aid. Bacon expressed his concerns, stating, “It’s possible, I won’t deny it. We have a few individuals who aren’t team players. They seem to prioritize seeking attention and social media engagement over the collective goals.”
Bacon pointed out that the Republican Party’s majority is extremely narrow and will further shrink to just one seat once Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) steps down from Congress in mid-April.
According to the speaker, the narrow majority in Congress, with only a one-seat advantage, could easily shift to a minority with just one or two individuals defecting. However, the speaker believes in working as a team and does not expect unanimous agreement from every member. He acknowledges that maintaining a 100 percent consensus is not necessary.
In mid-April, when Congress returns to Washington after the holiday recess, Johnson informed lawmakers that he intends to address the issue of providing aid to Ukraine. Despite opposition from certain conservative spending hawks who question the necessity of ongoing assistance to the war-torn nation, which has been engaged in a conflict with Russia for three years.
In the previous month, the Louisiana Republican declined to consider a foreign aid package that was passed by the Senate. This package would have allocated $60 billion for Ukraine. The reason for his refusal was the absence of border security measures in the package. However, he has recently suggested the possibility of providing aid to Ukraine in the form of a loan.
Earlier this month, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) took action by filing a motion to vacate the Speakership, a procedural move that has the potential to result in a vote to remove Johnson. This motion was prompted by Johnson’s involvement in the passing of a significant spending package aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown. The package received votes from members of both parties, but it drew criticism from House conservatives.
According to Bacon, some Democrats may choose not to support the dysfunction and may opt to vote present or not attend the vote on the motion.
“It is highly possible that a standoff with the Speaker may occur following the Ukraine bill. I sincerely hope that the Speaker emerges victorious. He is taking the correct course of action. It is crucial for our national security that Ukraine maintains its independence,” he expressed.
Earlier this month, certain House Democrats expressed their willingness to save Johnson from facing any potential removal motion. However, they made it clear that their decision would hinge upon his handling of the Ukraine aid situation.
Bacon said on Sunday that he received a “commitment” from Johnson and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) regarding the legislation for Ukraine aid being put on the floor.
The speaker expressed his optimism about completing the task within two weeks. He emphasized the importance of making it a bicameral effort to avoid any potential roadblocks in the Senate.
Since October of last year, Johnson has served as the Speaker, taking over the position from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) who was removed through a motion to vacate the position. McCarthy’s removal caused a three-week period of chaos that brought the House to a standstill. As a result, some Democrats are now more willing to prevent a similar situation from occurring again.
