After budget vote
Trump ally wants to oust Speaker of the House of Representatives
March 22, 2024, 10:12 p.m
In the House of Representatives, MPs vote for a draft budget that prevents the government from running out of money. But there was chaos again among the Republicans afterwards. Ultra-right Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene threatens the speaker of the House of Congress.
Around six months after the historic removal of Republican Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, a revolt against his successor Mike Johnson has formed within the House’s own ranks. Ultra-right Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to remove Johnson in the middle of a vote on a $1.2 trillion budget proposal.
A similar political dynamic cost McCarthy his office in early October. At that time, hardliners in the Republican faction rebelled because McCarthy had agreed to a compromise with the Democrats in the budget dispute.
This time, however, it is becoming apparent that a revolt against Johnson is likely to have less support among his party’s MPs. After Friday’s session ends, House members were scheduled to take a two-week spring break. A vote on Johnson’s removal is therefore unlikely to be imminent.
Greene threatens speaker
Representative Greene said she was sending a warning to Johnson with her motion. “We have started the clock to begin the process of electing a new speaker,” she said, referring to the post of House Speaker. However, she initially did not provide any information about her planned next steps. According to the rules, any member of the chamber can give priority to a motion to remove the chairman, in which case there would have to be a vote within two working days. Otherwise, a vote can only take place after the MPs return in April.
Greene is considered an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, who wants to move back into the White House. She has vehemently spoken out against approving spending laws to continue funding the administration. She also threatened to force Johnson’s removal if he launched an aid package for Ukraine as announced.
In addition, a member of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives announced loudly “New York Times” to resign his mandate as soon as possible. The Republican majority would then shrink even further – to just one vote.