House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for the second day in a row at the Capitol as Greene considered proceeding with a vote on Johnson's ouster. Greene, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, presented four demands during their private meeting, including halting funding for Ukraine and ending the Justice Department's legal cases against Trump.
Despite objections from Trump and fellow Republicans, Greene is threatening to call a vote on removing Johnson from office. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has joined Greene in her efforts. Both Johnson and Greene seem to be working towards a settlement to avoid further chaos in Congress.
Johnson emphasized that the discussions with Greene have been productive but denied that any negotiation was taking place. He highlighted his policy of listening to ideas from lawmakers in his slim GOP majority. However, Johnson criticized the Justice Department's cases against Trump, calling them 'election interference' that must cease.
Greene is also demanding that Johnson adhere to the Hastert rule, which requires leaders to proceed with voting on bills only with majority support. She is pushing for federal spending reductions and a 1% across-the-board cut if regular appropriation bills are not passed by the fiscal year deadline.
After their meeting, Greene stated that the next steps are up to Johnson and urged for a prompt resolution. Johnson, facing pressure to demonstrate control over the House, may need to consider Greene's demands, which could garner support from many Republicans in Congress.
Democrats, who have provided crucial votes on significant issues, have also played a role in the dynamics. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader, has positioned himself as a potential future speaker if Democrats win control in November. Jeffries and his team have pledged to vote to table Greene's motion, effectively supporting Johnson's position.
