Senate Republicans are deeply concerned about the prospect of House conservatives ousting a second Speaker within six months, urging them to avoid a repeat of the chaos that paralyzed Washington.
As Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) moves closer to bringing Ukraine aid to the floor, fears grow that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) may trigger a vote on her motion to vacate — the same maneuver used to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
For some, memories of the tumultuous three-week period in October resurface, leaving a lasting impact. “It’s a lot,” remarked Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), a former House member. “I just don’t know why anybody else would do the job.”
Speaker Mike Johnson (Credits: Rolling Stone)
The removal of McCarthy in October left a profound mark on Senate Republicans, derailing planned legislative actions and necessitating multiple stopgap spending bills.
Johnson’s handling of government funding and a foreign surveillance bill, among other grievances, have fueled Greene’s motion to vacate. Though Greene hasn’t pushed for a vote yet, many in the House feel it’s inevitable.
Senate Republicans, aware of Johnson’s precarious position, stress the importance of a governing majority to achieve legislative goals. They express hope that Democrats might intervene to prevent another protracted leadership crisis.
Mike Johnson, Speaker (Credits: The Washington Post)
The possibility of Democrats supporting Johnson adds a new dynamic to the situation. Some Democrats are open to assisting Johnson, provided he advances a Ukraine aid bill that Greene opposes.
Republicans warn that another attempt to oust Johnson could further destabilize the party, especially as they strive to regain the White House and maintain control of the House. They emphasize the need for unity and seriousness in the face of potential challenges.
Former House members in the Senate, like Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), express concerns about the GOP’s internal dynamics. “Yeah, back when it was just dysfunctional,” he reflected. “Not disastrous.”
