The necessary 218 signatures have been secured on a petition to force a vote on extending enhanced ACA subsidies for another three years, thanks to the support of all House Democrats. Despite Speaker Johnson offering a vote on an amendment, differing views on the amendment’s language stalled progress. While the vote on an amendment was offered last week, Representative Kiggans is not expected to sign the petition.
Speaker Mike Johnson has received backlash from both Democrats and Republicans after announcing that the House will not vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Despite support from moderate Republicans, who expressed concern over the expiration of the subsidies, Johnson opted against a vote, citing difficulties in finding a compromise. Democratic leaders and some Republican representatives criticized this decision, with some calling it “political malpractice.” The failure to extend these subsidies could lead to a significant rise in healthcare premiums and the potential loss of coverage for millions of Americans.
The article examines the precarious position of House Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting his declining support within the Republican party. Historically, Republican Speakers, including Boehner, Ryan, and McCarthy, have faced internal opposition and ousting. Johnson’s challenges stem from multiple sources, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s efforts to remove him, and a growing discontent among various factions within the caucus. These concerns include Johnson’s perceived dismissiveness towards female members, and dissatisfaction with his handling of policy issues and the legislative agenda. As a result, Johnson faces a potential rebellion, with members employing tactics like discharge petitions to circumvent his authority, threatening his ability to remain in leadership.
Marjorie Taylor Greene is reportedly considering an effort to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson before her retirement in January, gauging support for a vote. Greene, who has been a vocal critic of Johnson, previously attempted to remove him last year. However, it’s unclear if she currently has the necessary support, though some Republicans express dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership. Johnson himself has acknowledged the demanding nature of the position, while President Trump has expressed approval of his work.
According to a new report, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is considering a bid to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson before leaving Congress in early January, gauging support among Republican colleagues. Sources indicate Greene is actively trying to secure the necessary votes to trigger a vote on Johnson’s speakership, despite claims that the effort will likely fail. Greene has recently criticized Johnson, citing a perceived marginalization of strong Republican women and contrasting his leadership style with that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Additionally, Greene has expressed concerns about the GOP’s prospects in the upcoming midterms, taking issue with Trump’s economic assessments.
In a recent New York Times op-ed, Representative Nancy Mace criticized Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership style, citing restricted lawmaking processes and a lack of transparency within the House. Mace, who has increasingly distanced herself from Republican leadership, condemned Johnson’s control, arguing it has led to limited results and ineffective governance. She also expressed concerns about the treatment of women in the House Republican conference. Mace’s criticisms reflect a broader discontent among Republicans, including those who have resorted to discharge petitions to bypass leadership and push for votes on specific legislation.
Speaker Mike Johnson is facing mounting criticism and internal strife within the House Republican caucus. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a senior member, has publicly criticized Johnson’s leadership, comparing him unfavorably to his predecessor and suggesting a lack of support among Republicans. This criticism stems from policy disagreements, with Stefanik successfully reinserting a MAGA-coded provision into the defense authorization bill, and from a growing sense of frustration among members, some of whom are leaving Congress. Johnson is further challenged by a narrow majority, rising discharge petitions, and the impending vote on a defense bill that has yet to gain widespread support.
House Speaker Johnson delayed swearing in Representative Grijalva, reportedly due to the latter’s potential deciding vote on a petition related to the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. This delay coincided with the government shutdown at the beginning of October. With Congress and President Trump having since approved the files’ release, Johnson has now sworn in Representative Van Epps, whose vote is crucial for the narrow Republican majority. Van Epps, endorsed by Trump, won his election by a smaller margin than anticipated, causing concern among national Republicans.
A bipartisan group of House members, including progressives and conservatives, employed a discharge petition to force a vote on a bill banning congressional stock trading, a move similar to one used to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. The legislation gained urgency due to concerns about insider trading by lawmakers, with previous attempts to address the issue, such as a bill from Rep. Chip Roy and Abigail Spanberger, stalled under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The current Speaker, Mike Johnson, has faced criticism for restricting votes and aligning with Donald Trump, prompting more frequent use of discharge petitions by frustrated members. While the House vote is now secured, the bill’s passage through the Senate, particularly given former President Trump’s opposition, remains uncertain.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s sudden departure from Congress has unveiled significant fractures within the GOP, raising questions about the party’s future. Her resignation, following tensions with both Speaker Mike Johnson and the broader MAGA movement, is expected to exacerbate existing stress on the already thin Republican majority. These internal conflicts, coupled with a general sense of discontent and disrespect, have led to declining morale among GOP members. Furthermore, the lack of support for Trump’s initiatives, such as extending Obamacare subsidies, suggests a deeper crisis of leadership and unity within the party.
John Q. Hosedrinker