Johnson Faces Ouster Threat Over Foreign Aid Package

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to pass a major foreign aid package has sparked controversy among hardline conservatives, leaving him facing the potential of being ousted when Congress returns from recess on Monday evening. While many Republicans and Democrats praised Johnson for his support in sending billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and other regions, some GOP members opposed it – particularly the aid package’s focus on supporting Ukraine amid an ongoing war with Russia. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene went as far as accusing Johnson of betraying Republican voters after the House passed the foreign aid bills last week. She has threatened to call a vote for his removal if he does not resign, warning that more Republicans will support her effort once they return home and hear from their constituents over recess. However, many other GOP members have warned against an ouster vote, citing concerns about causing chaos in the House after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s unprecedented defeat last year. As of now, it is still unclear when or whether a motion to vacate Johnson will be triggered; two other Republicans – Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar – have publicly backed Greene’s effort so far, but a floor vote would require a majority to succeed, with the potential for an intervening tabled-or-killed proposal being considered beforehand. Amid opposition from hardliners inside his own party over this decision as well as others concerning spending and foreign policy issues, Johnson has been attempting to placate conservatives by highlighting positions that resonate with them during recess – such as calling for the resignation of Columbia University’s president in response to protests on campus.