Washington, DC – Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia instigated a move to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson as the US House of Representatives narrowly approved a bill to prevent a government shutdown. The bill faced objections from conservative Republicans, including Greene, who are aligned with former President Donald Trump.
The dispute unfolded as Greene filed a motion to remove Johnson while the House was still in the process of voting on the spending agreement. Ultimately, the bill passed with a two-thirds majority, with 286 votes in favor and 134 against.
Greene criticized the bill, accusing it of forcing Republicans to choose between funding for soldiers and supporting late-term abortion. She labeled the bill as a “dream and wish list for Democrats and the White House.”
The Senate later approved the bill in a 74-24 vote, allowing the government to remain operational until the end of Fiscal Year 2024. President Joe Biden confirmed his intention to sign the legislation promptly upon reaching his desk.
Greene’s motion to remove Johnson aimed to issue a warning rather than immediately ousting him. She expressed a desire to find a new House Speaker who would align with Republican values.
While some House Republicans expressed reservations, noting the challenges faced last year when a similar motion led to a 22-day vacancy in the Speaker’s position, others viewed the move as misguided and divisive.
Following the bill’s passage, Representatives from both parties expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the agreement, while others questioned the efficacy and implications of the motion to remove the Speaker.
The passing of the spending bill marked a significant development in Congress, allowing for a brief recess before tackling future spending bills. However, the possibility of additional negotiations or temporary funding measures looms as Congress faces its next deadline.