Quote:A centrist Democrat is floating a proposal to shield Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) from an internal GOP coup — if the Speaker agrees to move a stalled package of foreign aid.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) is circulating a resolution that would change House rules to make it more difficult for Republican hard-liners to oust Johnson from the top job. But he is making the measure contingent on the chamber holding a vote on legislation providing billions of dollars for Ukraine, Israel and other overseas allies.
The potential rules change, which would require support from a majority of the chamber, arrives as the debate over foreign assistance — particularly Ukraine aid — heats up on Capitol Hill, where some conservatives are warning that they will try to remove Johnson’s gavel if he brings it to the floor for a vote.
Gottheimer’s resolution is designed to get the aid package to the floor as soon as possible by shielding Johnson from that threat. It is unclear, however, if the resolution would garner enough support in the chamber.
Under current House rules, a single lawmaker can launch the process of removing the Speaker — a condition adopted last year by then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), under pressure from conservatives, in his quest for the gavel.
That rule, however, ultimately led to McCarthy’s demise: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) triggered a vote on his ouster as Speaker in October, which was successful after seven Republicans and all Democrats joined him in toppling the GOP leader.
Gottheimer’s resolution, which was obtained by The Hill, would make that process tougher.
Under his proposal, a lawmaker could force a vote on ousting the Speaker — which is known as a motion to vacate — only if they are authorized to do so by party leadership, or if the caucus or conference votes and decides that should be the direction of the party, reverting to the rules in place under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/44807...raine-aid/
