By LISA MASCARO (AP Congressional Correspondent)
In Washington, hard-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is increasing her criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson, criticizing his leadership in a long letter to colleagues and repeating threats of a sudden vote that could remove him from office.
When lawmakers came back to work Tuesday after a two-week spring break, the new attack from the Georgia congresswoman brought the still-new speaker back into the Republican chaos that has characterized GOP House control and could stop work. Johnson might not be able to do the basics of his job.
On social media, Greene said, “Today, I sent a letter to my colleagues explaining exactly why I filed a motion to vacate against Speaker Johnson,” about the procedural tool that could force the quick vote.
In strong terms, Greene warned Johnson not to work with Democrats for votes he would need to pass pending legislation that hard-right Republicans oppose, especially aid to Ukraine. That aid package as well as other agenda items are in serious doubt.
“I will not tolerate this type of Republican ‘leadership,’” wrote Greene, a top ally of presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump, in the five-page letter first reported by The New York Times.
The standoff threatens to keep the House at a standstill, giving the Republican majority a do-nothing label after months of turmoil that has led some experienced lawmakers to leave.
This occurs during what is usually a push in Congress in spring to achieve a few priorities before lawmakers focus on the November election campaigns.
For Johnson, who took over just six months ago after the House removed Kevin McCarthy from the speaker’s post, it is payback for his efforts to keep the government running by compromising with Democrats on necessary legislation to fund federal operations and prevent a shutdown.
Working with Democrats is basically the only way Johnson can pass any bills with a narrow majority and strong resistance from his right flank. He can't afford to lose more than a single Republican from his ranks on most votes.
Greene, who filed the motion to vacate the speaker before lawmakers left for spring break in March, has not said she would call it up for the vote and her next steps are uncertain.
Other Republicans, even some of the eight who voted to oust McCarthy, the California Republican who has since retired from Congress, have cooled on Greene’s effort, trying to prevent another spectacle. McCarthy’s ouster left the House essentially closed for almost a month last fall as Republicans argued over a new leader.
And Democrats led by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York have suggested they may give their votes to Johnson, a courtesy they did not extend to McCarthy, which could save the Louisiana Republican’s job in a bipartisan effort to keep the House open and functioning.
But Greene, during a strong town hall late Monday in her home district in Georgia and in the strong letter delivered Tuesday as lawmakers came back to work, made it clear that there is a threat hanging over Johnson if he tries to work with Democrats.
She wrote a letter outlining the promises Johnson made to Republicans when he became speaker, and listed ways he had broken them. For example, she mentioned passing spending bills that fund the government with policies many Republicans oppose, and failing to include legislation with Republican proposals for securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
She expressed her frustration with the Republican base by saying that the actions have led to a surrender or alignment with the Democrats’ agenda, which has given them very little reason to support a Republican House majority.
