Mike Johnson’s first week as House Speaker had seven big showdowns, making a hectic start to his new role. These intense clashes show the challenges and controversies he’s dealing with as a leader.
The first clash was about a difficult budget plan, causing heated arguments about where to spend money. The second fight was about changing healthcare, with different ideas about what to do. The third intense moment was about immigration rules, showing that the House members have strong disagreements.
The fourth big argument was about laws to protect the environment, where lawmakers had different opinions on what’s important. The fifth clash was about money for education, revealing that people have different views on how to invest in the country’s future.
The last two big moments were about national security and making fair laws, showing that there are many important issues to talk about. Mike Johnson’s first week as House Speaker has been really busy and stimulating, setting the stage for more tough decisions ahead.
Introduction
7 Explosive Showdowns in Mike Johnson’s First Week as House Speaker!. In his first full week as House Speaker, Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing a growing to-do list and a set of pressing challenges. These include addressing must-pass spending legislation, considering aid requests to Israel and Ukraine amid foreign conflicts, and handling internal matters such as censure resolutions and expulsion votes for fellow representatives. This article takes an in-depth look at the tasks ahead for Speaker Johnson and the House of Representatives.
Must-Pass Spending Bills
As the House reconvenes, one of the top priorities is to vote on must-pass appropriations bills. These bills cover funding for various government agencies and are critical to avoid a government shutdown. The House is set to vote on three such bills:
Legislative Branch
This bill includes funding for the operations of the U.S. Congress itself. It’s essential to ensure the functioning of the legislative branch.
Department of the Interior
Funding for the Department of the Interior is crucial for the management of federal lands, natural resources, and environmental protection.
Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies
This bill addresses funding for transportation infrastructure, housing programs, and urban development initiatives.
If all three of these bills pass, the House will have made progress on eight out of the 12 annual appropriations bills. Speaker Johnson has set an ambitious schedule, aiming to vote on all appropriations bills before the November 17 deadline. Additionally, there’s a plan in the works for a stop-gap continuing resolution to provide more time for negotiations with the Senate.
Censure Resolution Against Rashida Tlaib
Another significant item on the House’s agenda is a censure resolution targeting Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). This resolution, introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), accuses Tlaib of “antisemitic activity” and “leading an insurrection” at the U.S. Capitol. The accusations stem from a recent demonstration by pro-Palestinian protesters outside members’ offices, which resulted in arrests and charges.
The censure resolution requires a simple majority to pass, making it likely to succeed if all Republicans support it and Democrats oppose it. However, some GOP lawmakers have expressed reservations, arguing that Tlaib’s actions were protected under free speech rights. This vote could also put vulnerable Democrats in a difficult position as they weigh their options.
Censure Resolution Against Marjorie Taylor Greene
In an intriguing turn of events, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene herself faces a censure resolution. This resolution, introduced by Representative Becca Balint (D-VT), accuses Greene of “antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ, xenophobic, and racist rhetoric and conspiracy theories.” Balint argues that Greene’s rhetoric promotes hate and fear, particularly when Muslim Americans are facing increased threats and violence.
It’s unclear whether Balint’s motion will be voted on the same day as Greene’s resolution, but it has been filed as a privileged motion, meaning it must be brought to the floor for a vote.
George Santos’ Possible Expulsion
Representative George Santos (R-NY) is in the spotlight as a group of fellow Republicans seeks to expel him from Congress. Santos, a New York freshman, has been embroiled in controversy, admitting to embellishing aspects of his life story during his campaign. Additionally, he faces legal troubles, having been indicted by the Justice Department on multiple counts.
The expulsion resolution against Santos requires a two-thirds majority to pass, a challenging threshold to meet. Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of allowing due process to unfold, considering the slim majority the Republicans hold in the House.
Aid Request for Israel
Amid international conflicts, the House is set to vote on providing aid to Israel, which is engaged in a war against Hamas. Speaker Johnson has proposed a $14.5 billion stand-alone aid package. This decision has the potential to set the House on a collision course with the Democratic-led Senate and White House, which aim to pass all aid funds together.
While some Republicans have voiced opposition, arguing that the U.S. is already in significant debt, it’s likely that other Republicans will seek spending cuts in other areas of the budget to support the legislation.
Conclusion
As House Speaker Mike Johnson takes on his role, he faces a multitude of challenges and a growing to-do list. These include advancing crucial spending bills, addressing censure resolutions, handling a possible expulsion vote, and considering aid for Israel. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be a test of leadership and political maneuvering in the House of Representatives.