Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia had regularly voiced opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine, even before her fellow Republicans came around on support. Yet Greene’s threat to oust Speaker Mike Johnson could ironically make it more likely the House approves billions more in aid to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
For months, Greene told reporters that Ukraine aid was a red line and she’d call a “motion to vacate” against Johnson if more aid passed the House. Conscious of that, some Democrats suggested protecting Johnson from ouster if it came from a Ukraine aid vote.
Greene Threatens to Oust Speaker Over Ukraine Aid
Greene’s threat to remove Johnson from his Speakership role could end up helping the House approve billions in aid for Ukraine.
For months, Greene has told reporters that providing any additional support to Ukraine would be unacceptable and that she would call for Johnson’s removal if more aid passed the House.
Democrats Offer Protection for Aid Vote
Democrats, who make up the majority needed to remove Johnson, could agree to dismiss any motion to vacate if Johnson allows a vote on Ukraine aid.
This could include voting on the $95.3 billion national security bill passed by the Senate, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine, or individual votes on aid for Ukraine and Israel, as Johnson suggested.
Circumstances Differ From Previous Ouster Attempts
When Rep. Matt Gaetz moved to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October, Democrats were furious with McCarthy’s announcement of impeaching Biden.
They had many grievances against McCarthy, and he made it clear he didn’t want their help. Now, Johnson has relied on Democrats to pass spending bills, and elections are approaching.
Not All Democrats On Board
Some Democrats may not want to protect Johnson. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opposes the Senate bill due to Israel aid and said she likely wouldn’t support Johnson.
“I am not inclined to vote for an individual for speaker who doesn’t believe in women’s rights, doesn’t believe in bodily autonomy, who has supported overturning a presidential election,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Democrats See Opportunity in Greene’s Motion
By filing her motion to vacate, Greene handed Democrats leverage over Johnson. They can now demand that he bring Ukraine aid up for a vote in exchange for tabling Greene’s motion.
This could mean voting on the $95.3 billion Senate-passed bill, including $60 billion in Ukraine aid and $14 billion for Israel. Or individual votes on Ukraine and Israel aid, as Johnson prefers.
Different Situation From Gaetz’s Motion
The situation differs from when Rep. Matt Gaetz moved to oust ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October. Democrats opposed McCarthy’s Biden impeachment inquiry and had grievances against him.
McCarthy didn’t want their help. Now, Johnson relies on Democrats to spend bills with the looming elections.
Leverage to Bring Ukraine Aid to a Vote
With Greene threatening to oust Speaker Johnson over government funding, House Democrats now have significant leverage to demand a vote on additional aid for Ukraine.
They make up the majority of votes needed to protect Johnson from Greene’s “motion to vacate” and can insist he schedule a vote on measures like the $95.3 billion national security bill passed by the Senate.
Representatives Demand for a Vote
Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger said she doesn’t care if Johnson supports the aid. She just wants him to bring it to a vote. “I don’t even care if he votes for the bill. I want him to bring it,” Spanberger said.
“If that’s the circumstance, then I would motion to the table at that point.” Other Democrats suggested earlier they might protect Johnson from Greene’s ouster attempt if he allowed a vote on Ukraine aid.
A Very Tight Decision Timeframe
With Congress set to return from recess in just over a week, Johnson has a tight timeframe to decide whether to give in to Democrats’ demands.
Approving additional aid for Ukraine could undermine arguments from Greene and other Republicans that such aid is misguided or unnecessary.
Tabling Greene’s Motion in Exchange for Aid Vote
With Marjorie Taylor Greene threatening to oust Speaker Mike Johnson over his handling of government funding, Democrats now have significant leverage to get what they want—a vote on the Senate-passed aid package for Ukraine.
By filing her motion to vacate, Greene essentially handed Democrats an opportunity to protect Johnson in exchange for bringing the aid bill to the floor.
$95 Billion Senate Bill or Separate Votes Possible
The threat of Greene’s motion to vacate against Johnson could mean the House approves billions more in aid for Ukraine. They have a few options to consider.
The first is passing the $95.3 billion national security supplemental bill approved by the Senate in February. This includes $60 billion in aid for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel.
Progressive Pushback
Progressive Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez view Johnson as anathema to their values and policy goals.
For these members, Ukraine aid is not enough incentive to protect a Speaker they see as detrimental to the American democracy.
Balancing Priorities
More moderate Democrats find themselves balancing two priorities: providing urgently needed support for Ukraine while also opposing Johnson’s harmful actions.
Some believe tabling Greene’s motion to vacate, which requires a simple majority, is the best way to achieve both in the short term.
Its An Imperfect Solution
While Ukraine aid should not be held hostage to political disagreements, protecting Johnson solely to pass that aid risks normalizing his damaging rhetoric and policies.
For now, Democrats remain divided on the best path forward, torn between pragmatism and principle. With no unity and November elections looming, Johnson likely feels little pressure to change course.
