Democrats signaled their readiness to shield House Speaker Mike Johnson from potential ousting efforts by Republican hardliners, citing his stance on aid to Ukraine as a pivotal factor.
The assurance came in response to a motion filed by Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene seeking Johnson’s removal over a bipartisan spending bill.
Greene claimed support from fellow Republicans, hinting at discontent among hardliners regarding Johnson’s handling of the $95 billion Senate bill aimed at aiding Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies. Johnson has resisted a floor vote on the bill but pledged to address Ukraine aid upon lawmakers’ return in April.
While Johnson’s spokesperson emphasized his focus on conservative legislation, Democrats saw Greene’s motion as an opportunity to urge bipartisan cooperation.
Representative Jamie Raskin highlighted opposition to Ukraine aid among Trump allies, suggesting Johnson could assert independence from the GOP’s more extreme factions.
Representative Abigail Spanberger echoed the sentiment, indicating potential support for Johnson if the Senate bill saw progress. Greene’s criticism, however, did not directly reference Ukraine but rather centered on a spending bill backed by Democrats and only partially supported by Johnson’s Republican caucus.
The dynamics underscored internal GOP tensions, with Greene’s motion exposing divisions within the party. Less than half of Johnson’s Republican conference backed the spending bill, highlighting broader discord.
Democrats viewed Greene’s move as a chance to shape GOP leadership, emphasizing their alignment with anyone advocating for democratic values and human rights.
Johnson’s stance on Ukraine aid and broader legislative priorities remained central to the debate, with potential ramifications for both parties’ internal dynamics. Johnson’s leadership faces scrutiny amidst growing partisan strife over critical legislative matters.
