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GOP hardliners are threatening to oust U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson after he announced his decision to move forward with his plan to put a series of foreign aid bills, which includes funding for Ukraine, on the floor, CNN reports.
Johnson notified members of the House that a vote on the foreign aid bills would be held Saturday (April 20) evening in a note obtained by CNN on Wednesday (April 17).
“After significant Member feedback and discussion, the House Rules Committee will be posting soon today the text of three bills that will fund America’s national security interests and allies in Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and Ukraine, including a loan structure for aid, and enhanced strategy and accountability,” Johnson said in the note.
Several far-right House Republicans quickly shared their displeasure with Johnson's decision, specifically wanting more focus to be on border provisions. The border bill, which was passed by the House but remains dead in the Senate, was viewed as a failed attempt by Johnson to simmer hostility among his colleagues.
"News flash for Speaker Johnson, we have already passed HR2, the Senate has it and refuses to secure our border, they want 5,000 illegals per day to come in," Greene wrote on her X account. "The House passed $14 Billion for Israel aid in November and the Senate refuses to pass it. You, Speaker Johnson, voted against $300 million for Ukraine before we gave you the gavel along with the majority of Republicans, no one understands why it is now your top priority to give Ukraine $60 billion more dollars. You are seriously out of step with Republicans by continuing to pass bills dependent on Democrats. Everyone sees through this."
Rep. Chip Roy (R- Texas) told CNN that he was "very disappointed" in Johnson's decision and claimed he was "past the point of giving grace."
“I need a little bit more time today, but it is not good,” Roy said when asked if he believed it was time to remove Johnson from his position.
Johnson, a Louisiana congressman serving his fourth House term, was elected as the 56th speaker of the House following Kevin McCarthy's ousting in October.