House Republicans are hesitant to engage in another gavel fight with Johnson, expressing their anger towards him
Hardline Republicans Consider Ousting Speaker Mike Johnson
After Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) struck a deal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for a topline spending figure ahead of several looming appropriations bill deadlines, at least one hardline Republican has floated ousting him. But others aren’t quite sold on considering the option yet after the chaos that followed former speaker and California Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s ouster last year.
Noting the Republican Party’s seemingly ever-shrinking House majority, along with the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) said, “I don’t know what he would have done differently.”
“He handled the cards he was dealt,” he added.
Hardline Freedom Caucus member Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) made headlines this week when he refused to take a potential motion to vacate off the table for Johnson, despite his only being in the position for 77 days. But few others have expressed a similar sentiment.
Another hardline conservative, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), said he was currently “agnostic” on potentially removing Johnson, according to Politico.
Biggs explained, “I’m hearing from a number of people” about ousting the speaker, “but I’m not encouraging or participating in that.”
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) dispelled speculation of Republicans looking to vacate Johnson from the speakership. “We’ve just got to have a backbone,” he said.
“Mike hasn’t had time. He’s a good man, he’s honest. We’re just going to have to work through this,” he added, urging patience among his conference.
The first funding deadline is approaching on Jan. 19.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How does the possibility of ousting Speaker Johnson compare to the ousting of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2019 in terms of potential consequences for party unity and standing?
A representative Nancy Pelosi’s ousting in 2019.
The growing discontent within the Republican Party regarding Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent deal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has sparked discussions about the possibility of ousting him from his position. This potential move has divided the party, with some hardline Republicans voicing their support for such action, while others remain hesitant after witnessing the tumultuous aftermath of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s removal from office in 2019.
The controversy began when Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican hailing from Louisiana, struck a deal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer – a Democrat from New York – regarding a topline spending figure. This decision was made ahead of several crucial appropriations bill deadlines, adding to the significance of the agreement. The deal, however, did not sit well with some hardline Republicans, who view it as a compromising move that goes against their staunch conservative principles.
The main argument put forth by those in favor of ousting Speaker Johnson is that such a conciliatory approach negates the hardline conservative agenda they believe the Republican Party should be pursuing. They contend that compromising with Democrats, particularly on issues related to spending, diminishes the party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention. For these Republicans, politics should be about unwavering principles and not about making deals that dilute their ideology.
However, others within the party are not convinced that removing Speaker Johnson from his position is the best course of action. They recall the chaotic aftermath that ensued when former Speaker Nancy Pelosi was ousted in 2019. The party was torn apart by internal divisions, resulting in a lack of unity and a weakened standing among voters. Lessons have been learned from this experience, prompting some Republicans to exercise caution before taking any drastic actions that could further fracture the party.
Additionally, some argue that ousting Speaker Johnson could leave the party without a clear successor, leading to further instability and potential power struggles. The potential leadership vacuum could create a power vacuum, allowing for infighting and further disarray within the Republican Party. Given the current political climate and the upcoming midterm elections, many believe that maintaining unity and presenting a united front should be the party’s top priority.
While the discontent among hardline Republicans towards Speaker Johnson’s recent deal is understandable, it is crucial for the party to evaluate the potential consequences of ousting him from his position. The party must balance ideological purity with pragmatic governance, considering the impact such a move could have on its standing both internally and externally. Ultimately, the decision concerning Speaker Johnson’s fate rests on weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks and ensuring that the party remains cohesive and focused on achieving its goals.
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