WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership role is at risk after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a member of his party, filed a “motion to vacate” the office Friday.

Her move came during the middle of a House vote on a $1.2 trillion budget package.

It’s the same step, and political dynamic, that removed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, about five months ago after some in the Republican party objected to his compromise with Democrats while amid a potential federal shutdown.

 

While this effort may not get much immediate support, it will get attention.

The first time it was ever invoked happened last fall against McCarthy, an episode that essentially shuttered the House chamber for weeks while Republicans deliberated on who to choose instead.

The House is scheduled to leave town for a two-week spring recess after Friday’s session, and it’s doubtful a vote on removing Johnson, of Louisiana, would be imminent.

Under the rules, any member can make the motion privileged, which would require leaders to schedule a vote within two legislative days.

It could also wait until lawmakers return next month.

Johnson is leading the most narrow party majority of modern times in the House, and can risk only a few Republican losses on any vote.

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.