Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is facing renewed motion to vacate threats a day after introducing a plan to pass foreign aid. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., threatened to force a vote to oust the speaker during remarks in House Republicans’ closed-door conference meeting on Tuesday morning if Johnson did not willingly step aside first.
Massie stated that he asked Johnson to resign, but the speaker refused. Massie warned that if Johnson did not voluntarily step down, a motion to vacate would be called. Massie further predicted that Johnson would lose more GOP support than the eight House Republicans who voted to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., last year.
In response, Johnson remained defiant, stating that he has no intention of resigning. He criticized the idea of a vacate motion, calling it absurd and unhelpful to the House Republicans' agenda, which aims to serve the best interests of the American people.
Massie's opposition to Johnson's foreign aid plan, which includes aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, has sparked controversy within the party. Critics on the right have raised concerns about the plan's lack of provisions for border security.
