Why Mike Johnson could be on the hot seat after Tuesday’s double embarrassment
By
Eden Villalovas
February 7, 2024 8:24 am
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) suffered two major losses on Tuesday that could see his control of the gavel come under fresh scrutiny.
After the House failed to pass a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and rejected an Israel-only aid bill, with multiple Republicans defying their leader, some GOP figures were quick to criticize the speaker.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) condemned Republican leadership’s strategy over the Mayorkas impeachment. “I would have thought they would have known that. I would have thought that would have been basic,” Norman told CNN about whipping votes.
“They’re good on the other side of knowing that. Is it that hard?”
Before the unsuccessful vote on the Israel aid bill, a Republican aide floated the idea of vacating the speakership if the evening yielded another failed measure.
“If we lose the Israel vote after losing Mayorkas impeachment: VACATE,” a senior GOP aide said, per Stephen Neukam.
Republican sources also told the Washington Examiner that Johnson’s speakership must be up for debate after Tuesday’s losses.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/2841787/why-mike-johnson-hot-seat-after-tuesdays-double-embarrassment/
