Scoop: House Democrat floats Mike Johnson protection measure
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Speaker Mike Johnson. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images.
A moderate House Democrat is circulating a resolution to protect Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) from a potential removal attempt by one of his party's hardliners, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Centrist Democrats have floated protecting Johnson to give him room to put bipartisan legislation on the floor.
- The resolution, authored by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), would require party leadership or a majority of either party's caucus to sanction any vote to vacate the speaker's chair, according to a copy obtained by Axios.
- Under the current rules, agreed to by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in his quest for the gavel last January, any single member can force a vote to remove the speaker.
- Gottheimer has sent the proposal to fellow lawmakers, according to a screenshot viewed by Axios.
What we're hearing: The resolution would be conditioned on Johnson holding a vote on the Senate national security bill or similar legislation, according to a source familiar with the matter.
- The stipulation was first reported by The Hill.
The backdrop: McCarthy was removed in October after the House passed a bipartisan bill to avoid a government shutdown.
- Some Democrats have suggested they would oppose another conservative-led motion to vacate to avoid emboldening the hardliners.
- Others have suggested that McCarthy was uniquely distrusted on their side – and that Johnson, by contrast, has more goodwill.
State of play: Johnson is facing pressure from lawmakers in both parties to hold a vote on one of several bipartisan bills providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), however, has said she would introduce a motion to vacate if Johnson puts Ukraine aid on the floor.
- Congress is also approaching several federal funding deadlines which will require bipartisan legislation to keep the government from shutting down – which could in turn invite the wrath of the right.
Reality check: Johnson has batted down suggestions from members of his own party that they amend Republican Conference rules to make it harder to introduce a motion to vacate.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
