House Democrats Seek Concessions from Speaker Johnson for Leadership Support

Rep. Jim McGovern, a House Democrat from Massachusetts, has suggested that House Democrats should demand concessions from Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, in exchange for supporting his leadership position. McGovern stated that Democrats are not a "cheap date" and that Johnson needs to understand this if he wants their help in staying as Speaker.

The call for concessions comes after Johnson took a courageous stand in supporting a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, despite facing opposition from some members of his own party. Johnson's decision to bring the foreign aid bill to the House floor after months of delay was seen as a critical moment, with the Speaker describing it as a "Churchill or Chamberlain moment."

However, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, has been intensifying her threat to oust Johnson, introducing a resolution to remove him from the Speakership. The resolution has gained the support of two fellow GOP House lawmakers, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Paul Gosar of Arizona. Despite this, the majority of House Republicans have refused to take up this fight again.

Why this matters: The potential ouster of Speaker Johnson and the Democrats' willingness to support him in exchange for concessions highlight the delicate balance of power in the House and the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party. The outcome of this political maneuvering could have significant implications for the legislative agenda and the future of bipartisan cooperation in Congress.

Some Democrats have indicated they would be willing to help save Johnson's Speakership, depending on how he handles the Ukraine aid issue. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat from Washington who helped write the aid package, sees Johnson as a man of faith guided by his conscience and is willing to support him regardless of party affiliation. Meanwhile, the White House has refrained from advising House Democrats on what to do in case of Johnson's potential ouster.

Johnson's support for Ukraine has been a significant shift from his previous position of prioritizing border security before providing aid to other countries. The Speaker's actions have been praised by some as a "profile in courage," and Democrats see an opportunity to work with moderate Republicans to marginalize the more disruptive members of the Republican party.

As the situation unfolds, the future of Speaker Johnson's leadership and the potential for bipartisan cooperation in the House remain uncertain. McGovern's suggestion for concessions underscores the leverage Democrats may have in this political battle, while Greene's resolution to remove Johnson highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican ranks. The handling of the Ukraine aid package and the fiscal year 2025 appropriations process are likely to be key factors in determining the level of support Johnson faces from both parties.

Key Takeaways

• Rep. McGovern suggests Dems demand concessions to support GOP Speaker Johnson.
• Johnson's support for $61B Ukraine aid package faces opposition from some GOP members.
• Rep. Greene introduces resolution to remove Johnson as Speaker, gaining some GOP support.
• Dems see opportunity to work with moderate GOP to marginalize disruptive members.
• Johnson's future as Speaker and bipartisan cooperation in House remain uncertain.