In a striking cross-party display of support, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has voiced strong backing for Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s recent legislative strategy.
The Washington Examiner reported that Khanna announced that he supported Johnson’s decision to divide a significant bill, opposing any motions to remove him from leadership. This is more evidence that Johnson is a
Johnson enraged conservatives by bringing forward massive spending bills that sent billions of dollars to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan while allocating nothing to address the crisis at the southern border.
The issues at the center of these bills included foreign aid allocations to Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine, as well as a provision regarding the prohibition of TikTok in app stores if it continues to be foreign-owned. This move allowed members of the House to vote on each matter individually.
It's no wonder that Democrats are supporting Johnson now that he has demonstrated that he is a useful asset to them.
Ro Khanna, a Democratic Congressman from California, expressed his approval of Johnson's legislative tactics on the Sunday show "This Week." Although Khanna often finds himself at odds with Johnson’s policies, he commended the Speaker for his handling of the legislation.
Khanna's support stems from his preference for clarity and individual voting on critical issues, as demonstrated by Johnson’s recent legislative decisions. This approach, according to Khanna, fosters more thoughtful deliberation and decision-making among lawmakers.
"We had one issue, which was give individual votes. Don’t lump things together, and I would give him credit for doing this. I would vote to table any motion to vacate him," Khanna remarked, emphasizing his commitment to this procedural integrity.
The bipartisan support for Johnson from a prominent Democrat like Khanna is notable in the current politically charged atmosphere in Washington. This support could significantly influence other Democrats and moderate Republicans who appreciate transparency and fairness in legislative processes.
Khanna went further by stating his belief that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also a Democrat, would likely succeed Johnson as Speaker after the 2024 elections, a testament to his vision for a bipartisan leadership transition.
This endorsement comes amidst discussions within the Republican Party, where some members, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA), Paul Gosar (AZ), and Thomas Massie (KY), have shown interest in a motion to oust Johnson from his position.
Both Mike Johnson and Ro Khanna are set for reelection in 2024, having first assumed office in 2016. Their current terms have been marked by significant legislative activities and, for Johnson, a leadership role that now faces both scrutiny and support.
The Republican Party holds a narrow majority in the House with 218 members, as opposed to 213 Democrats. This delicate balance makes bipartisan support crucial for maintaining stability and progress in legislative matters.
None of the proponents for Johnson’s removal participated in the previous vote to remove his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, suggesting a potential shift in internal party dynamics and strategies within the GOP.
In conclusion, Ro Khanna’s support for Speaker Mike Johnson highlights a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in U.S. politics. Khanna appreciates Johnson's separation of a complex bill into manageable, individual votes, aligning with his advocacy for transparent and responsible governance. This support from a Democratic member not only fortifies Johnson's position but also sets a precedent for future legislative processes.
