On Thursday, MSNBC’s “MaddowBlog” published an article by Steve Benen which summed up the many mounting criticisms being leveled at House Speaker Mike Johnson. The controversial far-right Republican’s many embarrassing failures, particularly over the last few weeks, have led to a growing suspicion that he could soon find himself replaced.
Latest embarrassment
On Wednesday, Johnson was forced to cancel a vote on reauthorizing Section 702, a controversial spy powers bill. While Johnson supports reauthorizing the bill, he faced pushback among lawmakers who wanted warrant requirements included in the legislation.
Dubious bill
Section 702 allows government officials to engage in “mass, warrantless surveillance of Americans’ and foreigners’ phone calls, text messages, emails, and other electronic communications. Information collected under the law without a warrant can be used to prosecute and imprison people, even for crimes that have nothing to do with national security,” the ACLU explains.
Total failure
The bill had already embarrassed Johnson earlier when his plan to introduce two versions of the legislation to the floor was tanked by Republicans who angrily told him that it was his job to decide which to introduce.
Messy process
“There’s provisions in there that are just problematic. It hasn’t gone through regular order. It’s a whole mess,” Far-right Republican Dan Crenshaw said before Johnson pulled the bill. “That’s why we’ll probably just vote against the rule and take it down.”
Another example
Johnson also embarrassingly failed to advance a slight change to the limit on state and local tax deductions. He and his allies were scuppered by a procedural “adopting a rule” vote.
Unprecedented
In January, the New York Times described a House majority conference losing such a procedural vote as “all but unthinkable.” Until recently, it hadn’t happened in decades — but it has occurred half a dozen times in the last year.
Total mess
“This is the most chaotic, inefficient, and ineffective majority we’ve seen in decades covering Congress,” Punchbowl News reported. Politico described Johnson as “flying by the seat of his pants, polishing his reputation for dithering in the face of tough decisions.”
Doing little
In December, NPR reported that the 118th Congress was “the least productive in decades.” The Republican-controlled House voted almost 750 times but only managed to pass just 27 bills that became law through the end of 2023. The last time Republicans controlled the House and Democrats the Senate, the House passed 72 bills that became law.
Difficult situation
According to a Politico report based on interviews with House insiders, Johnson’s senior aides are “entirely in the dark about what he’s thinking.”
More failures
In early February, Johnson’s House majority failed to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, the Homeland Security Secretary, in what Benen described as an “unexpected debacle.” It then failed to vote on a bill providing billions of dollars to Israel in what Benen called “the latest GOP fiasco.”
Like his predecessor
Johnson replaced Kevin McCarthy, who in October became the first House Speaker in US history to be ousted. “Meet the new hapless House speaker,” Benen wrote. “He’s the same as the old hapless House speaker.”
Easily influenced
Benen criticized both McCarthy and Johnson for allowing themselves to be pushed around by radical Republicans and Trump. Johnson, for example, consulted with Trump about killing Biden’s bipartisan border deal, which MAGA members worried would undermine Trump’s re-election campaign.
Still far to fall
“There’s no reason to assume, however, that Johnson has hit rock bottom,” Benen warned. Congress has departed for a two-week recess, and will return on Feb 28 — days before a government shutdown deadline.
Read Next: What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
Former President Donald Trump’s distinctive orange skin has captivated attention, sparking curiosity about its evolution from average pale over the years:
What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
Dive into the shadows of American history as we explore 21 of its biggest lies that have left an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative:
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
Discover the amusing downfall of once-respected entities in our changing world:
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
Explore the lighter side of Donald Trump’s presidency with 23 hilariously memorable moments that left the nation in stitches:
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
How the MAGA movement left its mark on individuals and disrupted certain aspects of our everyday life forever:
