Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to vacate House Speaker Mike Johnson over her concerns about an omnibus spending bill that is expected to fund the federal government for the remainder of the year.
Greene’s decision to file the motion on Friday will force the full House of Representatives to vote whether to remove Johnson within two business days.
Appearing on Steve Bannon’s podcast on Friday morning, Greene, a flame-throwing Representative from Georgia, accused Johnson of giving too much away to President Biden and Democrats in government funding negotiations. She hinted she was seriously considering a motion to vacate the Speakership — the same procedural that knocked out Johnson’s predecessor and Greene ally, former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
“Mike Johnson has gotten rolled,” she said. “Completely, totally, in every single process. He has not negotiated with strength. He’s handed every single thing over to [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer.”
“We are making that decision on a minute-by-minute basis today, Steve, and I think you can stay tuned,” Greene told Bannon.
Asked if she would lead the charge to oust Johnson, Greene responded, “We are going to be making decisions on a minute-by-minute basis today, and I urge you to watch and see what happens.”
Punchbowl news editor Jake Sherman says he doesn’t expect immediate action.
“MTG has to go to a mic and call up the resolution,” he tweeted. “Then the leadership can delay the vote for two legislative days. That would put this until after recess, two+ weeks from now.”
The spending bill, which will keep the federal government open, passed, 286-134, with 112 Republicans voting against it — meaning Johnson received help from the Democrats, which is likely what upset Greene.
The Democrats could save Johnson, if he needs their help, simply by voting “present.” In return, they could demand a vote on aid to Ukraine.
