Moderate Democrats Extend Olive Branch To House Speaker Mike Johnson Amid Threats From Far-Right Republicans

Written By BlabberBuzz | Sunday, 14 January 2024 04:20 PM
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Moderate Democrats Extend Olive Branch To House Speaker Mike Johnson Amid Threats From Far-Right Republicans

In a remarkable show of bipartisan unity, a faction of moderate Democrats has indicated their willingness to back Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, should hardline conservatives attempt to depose him.

This move mirrors the previous ousting of Kevin McCarthy, Johnson's predecessor, according to NBC News. The aim of this cross-party alliance is to avert another protracted congressional deadlock.

An anonymous senior moderate House Democrat, speaking to NBC, revealed, "I would be very surprised if there aren't a number of Democrats who would support Johnson because I think we're so tired of this."

This pledge of support bolsters Johnson's position in the face of renewed threats from far-right members, who are disgruntled with the bipartisan spending deal he negotiated.

The spending deal, worth $1.59 trillion, was brokered by Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. It has sparked dissatisfaction among some conservative Republicans, who are contemplating the use of a "motion to vacate" to instigate a vote against Johnson's speakership.

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The deal, unveiled by congressional leaders on Sunday, is designed to prevent a government shutdown. It earmarks $886 billion for military expenditure and $704 billion for non-defense spending for the fiscal year 2024, as reported by Reuters.

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In a meeting with conservatives, including staunch MAGA supporter Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is opposed to the spending deal, Johnson asserted, "Our top-line agreement remains."

However, not all Democrats are prepared to back Johnson, citing divergent views on issues such as abortion, the separation of church and state, and the events of January 6.

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Kevin McCarthy, Johnson's predecessor, was ousted from his position as speaker in a similar spending dispute in October, marking the first such occurrence in US history.

In response, Democratic Rep. Scott Peters is advocating for the abolition of the rule that allows a single lawmaker to trigger a vote - the "motion to vacate" - to remove the speaker, in a bid to prevent unnecessary power struggles.

When Republicans regained control of the chamber with a narrow majority, McCarthy yielded to a group of hardline Republicans' demands to make the measure accessible to any single member of the chamber.

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