The House may barrel toward another showdown over the Speaker’s chair due to tens of billions more taxpayer dollars being funneled to Ukraine. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene warned that she would personally introduce a motion to vacate the position held by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
Speaking to reporter Andrew Solender of Axios, Greene declared, “I would introduce the motion to vacate myself.”
Johnson sat with President Joe Biden and colleagues in congressional leadership Wednesday to discuss military aid for Ukraine and the border crisis.
Though specifics are sparse, a massive compromise bill is being floated by Senate Republican leaders. It would encompass funding for Israel and Ukraine along with a plan for border security.
Johnson flatly rejected a comprehensive immigration package. The Speaker said such a measure takes time and there is an immediate need to address the border “catastrophe.”
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: "I told Speaker Johnson if he made that deal in exchange for $60 billion for Ukraine, I would VACATE THE CHAIR, and I still stand by those words."
NEW SPEAKER INCOMING..
They will NEVER learn.. pic.twitter.com/33J3I9UKHq
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 14, 2024
Greene previously indicated she would act swiftly if Johnson goes along with a sweeping border deal. “In my meeting with him yesterday and many other members of Congress, I let Speaker Johnson know that in no way, shape and form will I support any type of [continuing resolution].
The Georgia Republican told former White House advisor Steve Bannon that she would “vacate the chair” over the “absolutely unacceptable” border deal.
But Senate leaders appear determined to roll toward a compromise with the Biden White House. It’s never a great sign when Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is on board with a Democratic scheme.
He called the border compromise a “unique opportunity to accomplish something in divided government that wouldn’t be there under unified government.” His twisted logic concluded that the GOP could somehow extract significant border concessions from Democrats.
But Greene isn’t buying the rhetoric.
She and her true conservative colleagues drew a line on funding the federal government until the open border is seriously addressed. And she isn’t the only Republican willing to take a stand.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) also indicated he will consider supporting a motion to strip the gavel from Johnson over the contentious issues. He did indicate that it is not his preferred method moving forward, but the border crisis must be addressed.
