In a recent development, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent figure in the far-right political sphere, expressed her vehement disagreement with House Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal to provide financial aid to Ukraine.
This announcement was made public on Monday, with Johnson revealing his intention to hold a vote on the matter later this month.
Greene, a Republican from Georgia, who has previously threatened to oust Johnson, expressed her outrage on X, stating, "If Speaker Johnson gives another $60 billion to the defense of Ukraines border after he FULLY FUNDED Bidens deadly open border, the cruel joke would be on the American people. And it wont be April Fools."
This statement was made in response to Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, outlining three potential strategies to secure aid for Kyiv amidst the closely contested House. These strategies include providing a loan to Ukraine, seizing and liquidating frozen Russian assets, and persuading the Biden administration to lift a pause on approvals for new liquid natural gas export terminals in return for approving the aid.
Johnson had previously expressed to The Post that he believed it was crucial to finalize the appropriations process for the fiscal year 2024 before addressing the Ukraine crisis. Following the completion of the appropriations process last month, Greene proposed a motion to vacate the chair, which, if approved, would result in Johnson's removal from the speakership.
Johnson addressed this issue during an interview with Fox News' "Sunday Night in America With Trey Gowdy," stating, "Look, Marjorie Taylor Greene filed the motion. Its not a privileged motion so it doesnt move automatically; its just hanging there. And shes frustrated. She and I exchanged text messages even today. Were going to talk early next week."
In a similar incident last October, Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, proposed a motion to vacate former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a spending dispute. This motion was supported by seven Republican agitators and a solid bloc of Democrats, resulting in McCarthy's removal from the speakership on October 3.
However, Gaetz does not seem inclined to support a rebellion against Johnson this time around. Some Democrats have even publicly considered supporting Johnson if he proceeds with the Ukraine aid proposal.
Greene further expressed her discontent on X, stating, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing. Speaker Johnson completely surrendered all power we had in the House to stop horrendous crimes like child rape by illegals when he fully funded Bidens deadly open border without a fight."
In response to these criticisms, Johnson told Gowdy, "These are not the perfect pieces of legislation that you and I and Marjorie would draft if we had the ability to do it differently. But with the smallest margin in US history, were sometimes going to get legislation that we dont like. I think all of my other Republican colleagues recognize this as a distraction from our mission. Again, the mission is to save the republic."
The Republican's slim majority in the lower chamber is expected to decrease to 217-213 with the departure of Representative Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin, later this month.
For several months, Democrats and President Biden have been pressuring Johnson to consider an assistance package for Ukraine, which is currently facing challenges on the battlefield against Russian invaders. In response to this pressure, Johnson assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month that Congress would address the Ukraine issue.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to reconvene on April 9 following its Easter recess.
Login