Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has initiated a process that could shake up the current power dynamics within the House of Representatives.
What Happened: Greene has introduced a motion that could inadvertently compel House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to collaborate with Democrats. However, the strategy could lead to an unintended outcome, as reported by Politico on Thursday.
Johnson might be forced to pass a $1.2 trillion spending bill opposed by most Republicans, offering floor time for Ukraine aid as a bargaining chip to Democrats. This scenario encapsulates the GOP’s concern that Johnson will turn to Democrats for support, as one House Republican sarcastically noted.
This motion threatens Johnson’s position, especially as the GOP majority narrows due to upcoming resignations. The move requires only a single Republican vote to succeed, assuming no Democratic intervention.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), while not supporting the ousting of Johnson, says, "Marjorie is playing chess, not checkers. She's looking at the long game, and she's holding all the cards on this one. And I think it's an attempt on her part to move the Republican party to a more conservative area — where our base is."
Despite Greene’s aggressive stance, the Republican majority is currently against removing Johnson.
"She's on the McCarthy revenge tour," said House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.), one of the eight GOP lawmakers who voted to remove McCarthy.
"We don't talk about removing the speaker. We're trying to influence him to do the right thing."
Why It Matters: The internal strife within the GOP has been escalating, with Greene at the forefront of the latest controversy. Her attempt to oust House Speaker Johnson has been met with significant opposition from fellow Republicans. The GOP has warned that such actions could exacerbate divisions within an already fractured party.
Greene’s recent rejection of blame, should Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) ascend to the role of Speaker, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Her stance indicates a refusal to accept responsibility for potential shifts in House leadership dynamics.
However, Greene has previously opposed the removal of Johnson in January.
Read Next: Former House Speaker Paul Ryan Says GOP Will ‘Lose More Seats’ With Trump’s 2024 Candidacy
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