House Democratic leaders have vowed to protect House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) from a motion to oust him by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). The move came as Johnson faced críticas from Greene and other conservative members of the House Freedom Caucus over his handling of government funding and foreign aid.
Greene filed a resolution nearly 40 days ago calling for a vote to remove Johnson, but it has fallen flat within the GOP. However, with the razor-thin majority Johnson oversees, Democratic support would likely be needed to keep him in power.
Democratic leaders signaled in a joint statement that they would block Greene’s motion in the initial vote, effectively tabling it and killing it. This means that Greene’s resolution will not be considered by the full House unless she successfully invokes a rarely used procedure to bring it up for a vote within two days.
House Speaker Johnson said he was unaware of the Democratic leaders’ decision beforehand and said he did not discuss a motion to vacate with Jeffries earlier this month when Democratic voters were critical to passing Johnson’s $95 billion foreign aid plan.
Greene’s motion to oust Johnson is the latest in a series of challenges to his leadership. In recent weeks, Johnson has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over his handling of the House’s agenda. However, the Democratic leaders’ move to protect him suggests that he has at least some support within the party.
It remains to be seen whether Greene will be able to force a vote on her motion. If she does, it could put Johnson’s speakership in jeopardy. However, the Democratic leaders’ move to shield him suggests that he has at least some support within the party.
The vote on Greene’s motion is expected to take place later this week.
