House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refrained from committing to whether House Democrats would assist in protecting Speaker Mike Johnson from a potential removal initiated by members of his own party. Jeffries emphasized the ongoing efforts to finalize national security legislation before addressing any other issues. The New York Democrat stressed the importance of completing the national security legislation for the benefit of the American people.
When questioned about the upcoming votes on foreign aid, Jeffries urged his caucus to prioritize the task at hand and work towards its completion. Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman echoed a similar sentiment, expressing concerns about potential chaos and disorder within the institution if such actions were taken. Goldman highlighted the challenges faced in October and emphasized that the underlying issue lies within the party itself.
Despite the pressure, neither Jeffries nor Goldman explicitly stated their willingness to support Johnson in the face of opposition from the extreme wing of the party. However, both Democrats acknowledged Johnson's efforts in advancing foreign aid bills despite resistance from right-wing Republicans. They commended Johnson for standing firm in his convictions and recognizing the importance of governance within Congress and the House.