Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has enjoyed a series of wins this week, but there’s little time to celebrate, as Republicans grow increasingly frustrated with how he is managing the razor-thin House majority.
Legislative Victories and Frustrations
Johnson has managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat dozens of times since winning the speaker’s gavel in October 2023. However, the pressure of running a razor-thin House majority is still enough to send tensions boiling, particularly within an ideologically diverse Republican conference before what’s expected to be a politically bruising battle to keep control of Congress.
Several House Republicans have told Fox News Digital this week that Johnson is not doing enough to bolster his rank-and-file members and their own individual legislative priorities. A second House GOP lawmaker granted anonymity said, ‘Members have said ‘We don’t report to the White House. We don’t report to the executive branch. We should be able to make these decisions on our own,’
Johnson’s allies have consistently argued that his close relationship with President Donald Trump has been key to his staying power and success. However, not everyone believes Johnson is prioritizing the needs of his conservative right flank or the president over others.
Conference Frustrations
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, told Fox News Digital, ‘There does seem to be a focus on a few in the conference, and the reasoning is, the most vulnerable. But that by definition excludes some other members.’ Others, still, simply believe House GOP leadership could be doing more to help lawmakers across the conference.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., told Fox News Digital on Tuesday, ‘I think there’s more that can be done to help members score wins that may be small in general, but are big and important for their districts.’ Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., was even more blunt: ‘You’ve got to kiss a– to move legislation up here, and it’s just, it’s really getting to be a ridiculous situation.’
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
