Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed relief on Wednesday that the anticipated resolution to the turmoil in the House is on the horizon.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is expected to vote next week to quash a motion seeking to remove Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) from his position, effectively putting an end to the chaos that has plagued the House throughout much of 2023 and 2024.
McConnell conveyed his relief to reporters, emphasizing the collective sentiment across America that the House’s tumult will finally come to an end.
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Credits: NBC News)
With Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) spearheading the motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair, McConnell highlighted the expected failure of the motion, particularly after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and other Democrats pledged to vote against it.
For McConnell, putting an end to the threat against Johnson is not only beneficial for Congress but also for the country as a whole. He views it as a positive development that will enhance the reputation of Congress and contribute to the stability of governance.
Greene initiated the motion to remove Johnson from his position a month prior and garnered support from at least two colleagues, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.).
Speaker Mike Johnson (Credits: CNN)
However, despite some Republicans’ reservations about Johnson’s leadership, particularly among hard-line conservative factions, there is hesitation about ousting him so close to the upcoming November election.
The backdrop of uncertainty surrounding House leadership traces back to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who faced the constant threat of removal after agreeing to a rules package at the beginning of the 118th Congress.
This package allowed a single member of the House to trigger a snap leadership election, a vulnerability that led to McCarthy’s ousting by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in October, resulting in a three-week standstill until Johnson was elected Speaker.
