Faced with a significant challenge to his leadership in passing long-term funding for Ukraine and Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson vows to stay in office, UNN reports citing The Wall Street Journal and Globe Echo.
Details
House Speaker Mike Johnson vowed to stay on as speaker on Tuesday as he faced the most direct challenge to his leadership since taking the gavel last fall, prompted by his attempts to pass long-term funding for Ukraine, Israel and other foreign allies.
The Republican intends to pass a complex four-part legislation in the House of Representatives by the end of the week, likely relying heavily on Democratic votes, and still retain his position even as more Republicans have indicated they are negative about his leadership. Late in the evening, there were signs that his efforts had not been successful: meetings with GOP lawmakers continued well into the night, and the text of the bill had not been released.
It should be noted that the opposition to Johnson arose when House Republicans tried to vote on aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and a general bill on national security provisions. Some members threatened to oust Johnson - they drew attention to the disapproval of the measure to replenish US arms stockpiles because of the possibility of providing Ukraine with more weapons. Congressman Thomas Massie expressed support for Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green's call for Johnson's removal, emphasizing the growing dissatisfaction with his leadership. The threat to Johnson's position as speaker grew when Massey supported Green's motion to vote for him, citing the need for a new speaker of the Republican Party. Despite calls to resign, Johnson said he would not step down and was focused on fulfilling his duties as speaker.
Recall
The U.S. House of Representatives may vote on an aid bill for Ukraine this Friday, according to Speaker Mike Johnson, who said most of the money would go to replenish U.S. weapons.