Johnson's role as speaker is in jeopardy as there's a strong possibility of removal.
Monday evening witnessed the return of the House to session after a vacation lasting a week. This followed a significant move by the Chamber that led to the approval of billions of dollars in support for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.
The question of whether Johnson might be subjected to a vote concerning his removal is currently looming over him.
Johnson's decision to pass the aid package garnered appreciation from both Democrats and Republicans, with the latter attributing their gratitude to Johnson's support for key US allies.
In response to threats facing his leadership, Johnson has vehemently stated that he will not resign and has cautioned about the potential repercussions of a vote to oust him.
However, a number of conservatives, including GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, have expressed opposition to the legislation and the aid being sent specifically to Ukraine. Greene has threatened to call for a vote on Johnson's dismissal if he doesn't resign.
Despite her filing a motion to remove Johnson over a month ago, Greene has yet to take the necessary steps for such a vote to occur. Only two other House Republicans have publicly endorsed the effort so far - Reps. Thomas Massie from Kentucky and Paul Gosar from Arizona.
Earlier in the evening, Johnson told CNN that he hasn't spoken with the congresswoman concerning her motion to vacate.
Greene maintains that more House Republicans will support her attempt to evict Johnson after their constituents voiced their opinions over the recess.
It's uncertain when or if a vote will be held to determine Johnson's political future.
Numerous Republicans have already expressed their concerns about holding an ouster vote, as it could potentially disrupt the House GOP conference for a second time and serve as a reminder of the tumultuous process of electing a new speaker last year, when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted.
“I'm not exactly panicking about the motion to vacate,” Johnson declared to CNN following the passage of the foreign aid bills. “I've got a job to do. We've done it here, and I'm going to continue to do it.”
To oust Johnson, a majority vote is compulsory. In the event of a motion being triggered, a vote to table (i.e., kill) the resolution would need to occur first, which would also require a simple majority.
Currently, there is a general expectation that, in the wake of Ukraine's aid passage, sufficient Democrats would be willing to cross the aisle and support Johnson, enabling him to triumph in such a vote.
During the recess, Johnson attempted to mollify GOP opposition by emphasizing his support for GOP-drive causes and positions. He visited Columbia University on Wednesday and urged the university president to resign during a tumultuous news conference marred by interruptions from the crowd and occasional loud booing.
Johnson's visit received positive feedback from detractors within the GOP.
Texan GOP Rep. Chip Roy, who had previously been vocal about his disagreements with Johnson's leadership, tweeted, “I’ve had my strong disagreements on spending/foreign aid - but I applaud @SpeakerJohnson for going to Columbia.”
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Source: edition.cnn.com
