Rep. Thomas Massie drops bombshell: “It would take a Christmas miracle” for him to support Mike Johnson as House Speaker.
At a Glance
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) opposes Mike Johnson’s reappointment as House Speaker
- Johnson’s recent support for a controversial spending bill fuels Republican tensions
- Massie’s dissent could jeopardize Johnson’s leadership position
- Conservatives criticize the bill for leaning towards Democratic aims
- Johnson needs additional votes to secure the 218 required for Speakership
Massie’s Bold Stand Against Johnson
In a stunning development that’s shaking up the Republican party, Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has publicly declared his opposition to Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) bid for a second term. Massie’s stance, rooted in concerns over a recent continuing resolution (CR) and past grievances, threatens to upend Johnson’s leadership in the House. With the GOP holding a slim majority in the 119th Congress, every vote counts, and Massie’s defection could prove decisive.
Massie didn’t mince words when explaining his position. “It would take a Christmas miracle,” he stated, emphasizing the unlikelihood of changing his mind. This declaration comes on the heels of a controversial spending bill that Johnson endorsed to prevent a government shutdown, a move that has inflamed tensions within the conservative ranks.
đź‘€Northern Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) says he still opposes Speaker Mike Johnson's 6-month CR with SAVE Act included. https://t.co/1KyoE5HHLg
— Mario Anderson đź“ş (@MarioAndersonTV) September 17, 2024
The Controversial Spending Bill
At the heart of this political drama is a spending measure that Johnson supported to avert a partial government shutdown. The bill, which extends government funding until March and includes provisions for disaster relief and aid for farmers, has been met with fierce criticism from conservatives who argue it leans too heavily towards Democratic priorities.
The backlash hasn’t been limited to Massie. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), have voiced their disappointment in Johnson’s handling of the CR and communication issues. Even tech mogul Elon Musk has weighed in, opposing the proposal and adding fuel to the conservative fire.
A House Divided
The discord within the Republican ranks is palpable. Johnson, who needs 218 votes to secure the Speakership, now finds himself in a precarious position. With Democrats expected to rally behind House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Johnson must navigate the treacherous waters of intra-party politics to shore up support.
Adding to the pressure, high-profile figures like President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have called for a streamlined spending bill without Democratic concessions. This stance aligns with the conservative base that Johnson must appease to maintain his position.
The Road Ahead
As the Republican party grapples with this internal strife, the implications for governance are significant. The controversy surrounding the spending bill highlights the ongoing struggle within the GOP to balance fiscal conservatism with the practicalities of governance. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) defended the measure, arguing that disaster and farm aid are essential aspects of governing, but his voice seems drowned out by the chorus of dissent.
Massie’s opposition to Johnson isn’t new. He previously supported Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s effort to remove Johnson from the speakership, a move that was largely opposed by both parties. Now, with his latest stance, Massie has positioned himself as a key figure in the ongoing debate over the party’s direction and leadership.
