Another GOP Supports Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Bid to Remove Speaker Johnson

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) announced on Friday that he is supporting a move to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

The motion to vacate the speakership was filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and recently gained the support of support of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) as Johnson is trying to pass billions in foreign aid in the House.

In a statement, Gosar mentioned the southern border as the reason for backing the motion to vacate. Many House Republicans have called for border reforms to be linked to further funding for Ukraine.

“My congressional district in Arizona, ground zero for the invasion, is getting pummeled by the surge of lawbreakers. These illegal aliens have brought violent crime, deadly drugs, human trafficking and are depleting resources and services meant for U.S. citizens,” Gosar stated.

The congressman also referred to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as “purposeless” and argued that money for Ukraine would be better used at the southern border.

“I have added my name in support of the motion to vacate the Speaker,” Gosar wrote. “Our border cannot be an afterthought. We need a Speaker who puts America first rather than bending to the reckless demands of the warmongers, neo-cons and the military industrial complex making billions from a costly and endless war half a world away.”

Johnson stated this week he will not step down despite threats of removal from within his own party.

“It is in my view an absurd notion that someone would bring a vacate motion when we are here simply trying to do our jobs,” he told reporters. “It is not helpful to the cause, it is not helpful to the country, it does not help the House Republicans advance our agenda, which is in the best interest of the American people.”