The failure of the continuing resolution spending bill has brought House Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership into question. Senator Rand Paul has suggested replacing Johnson with tech billionaire Elon Musk, who is President-elect Trump's pick to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Paul proposed the idea on Musk's platform, highlighting that the Speaker of the House does not necessarily have to be a sitting member of Congress. Musk, known for his stance against government waste, has criticized the spending bill and called for lawmakers supporting it to be voted out.
The collapse of the deal was confirmed by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, following criticism of Johnson's handling of the issue by GOP members. It remains uncertain whether Paul's suggestion was serious or made in jest.
While some, like Democratic strategist Jimmy Williams, dismissed the idea, others like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed support for Musk as Speaker. Johnson's position is further complicated by Rep. Thomas Massie's refusal to vote for him, potentially jeopardizing his retention of the gavel.
Senator Josh Hawley also criticized Johnson's leadership, labeling the situation on Capitol Hill as chaotic and calling for change. Hawley highlighted concerns about the spending bill burdening the incoming administration with deficits and the need for revisiting the issue in March.
The uncertainty surrounding Johnson's leadership and the backlash against the spending bill underscore the challenges facing Congress as it navigates through critical legislative decisions.
