Firebrand Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has pushed for the removal of House Speaker Mike Johnson just weeks after he was officially signed in.
The move does not automatically kickstart his dismissal but lays the groundwork for another showdown on the House floor.
Californian Republican Kevin McCarthy was the first House Speaker ousted after hardline Grand Old Party members triggered a motion to remove him last year.
Greene is threatening to bring a similar vote against Johnson if he attempts to pass further aid to Ukraine.
She said: “I filed a motion to vacate today, but it's more of a warning than a pink slip.”
Greene added: “I do not wish to inflict pain on our conference and throw the House in chaos, but this is basically a warning.
“It's time for us to go through the process, take our time and find a new Speaker of the House that will stand with Republicans and our Republican majority, instead of standing with the Democrats.”
Johnson's spokesperson Raj Shah responded by saying: “Speaker Johnson always listens to the concerns of members, but is focused on governing.”
He added: “He will continue to push conservative legislation that secures our border, strengthens our national defence and demonstrates how we'll grow our majority.”
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It is not yet clear whether hardline Republicans will back Greene’s move.
Tim Burchett, who supported efforts to remove McCathy, warned he is not yet ready to oust Johnson but stressed he is "upset and concerned and has every right to be".
Eric Burlison added: "We need to go back into the room and set some parameters on what our expectations are for the rest of the year ... I'm sure we'll have some meetings."
The Freedom Caucus, which ousted Greene last year, is far from united over the matter.
A member told Axios: “I have no comment on anything she does or says.
“I suspect she's doing it so you all will talk about it ... so she gets the attention, which, obviously, is working.”
The lawmaker added: “I have no comment on anything she does or says. I suspect she's doing it so you all will talk about it ... so she gets the attention, which, obviously, is working.”
McCarthy was dismissed last year after 216 members voted for his removal, with 210 voting against and just seven abstaining.
Every Democratic Representative voted to remove McCarthy in October.
Several members indicated they would support Johnson in order to maintain stability in the House.
