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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Addresses Speaker Johnson’s Job
During an appearance on CBS’s Face The Nation, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader from New York, highlighted the importance of supporting democratic allies, such as Ukraine and Israel, providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and supporting allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Jeffries pointed out that the House has the necessary votes to act on America’s national security interests, but certain pro-Putin members within the Republican Party, including figures like Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, are obstructing crucial legislation.
When asked by Margaret Brennan if Democrats would protect Speaker Johnson from a potential motion to vacate if he takes the necessary steps, Jeffries stated that the caucus had not yet discussed this issue. However, he expressed his belief that there are members who would not support removing Johnson if he did what was right.
Democrats and Speaker Johnson’s Future
Jeffries did not explicitly endorse keeping Johnson in his position nor instruct Democrats on how to vote regarding the Speaker. Instead, he emphasized the importance of allowing caucus members to vote according to their conscience. With the upcoming likelihood of Democrats regaining control of the House in the next election, the immediate fate of Speaker Johnson may not hold significant importance.
It is estimated that only a small number of Democratic votes would be needed to prevent Johnson’s removal via a motion to vacate, which Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene threatened to introduce if Ukraine aid is approved in any form. Despite Speaker Johnson’s apparent lack of assertiveness in confronting the pro-Putin faction within the Republican conference, Jeffries hinted that if Johnson were to take the right course of action, Democrats might impede Greene’s efforts.
Hakeem Jeffries calls out pro-Putin Republicans for blocking Ukraine aid, “There’s a pro-Putin faction in the Republican Party, led by Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, who are blocking this legislation.” pic.twitter.com/ViJviPrsZS
— Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 10, 2024
In conclusion, the dynamics surrounding Speaker Johnson’s tenure remain uncertain, with Jeffries indicating that the Speaker’s actions will play a crucial role in determining his future and the support he receives from the Democratic caucus.
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