Speaker Mike Johnson Faces Critical Week Amid Threat of Ouster and Ukraine Aid Pressure
As US House Speaker Mike Johnson navigates through another crucial week in his speakership, he is confronted with the looming threat of being ousted and the increasing pressure to make a decision on providing aid to Ukraine, a promise he has been making for months.
During the recent two-week Easter recess, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene continued her attacks on Johnson, cautioning him against pursuing any Ukraine aid package. However, Johnson has been working behind the scenes to find a solution that could garner enough support to pass.
Challenges in Passing Ukraine Aid Package
The main obstacle for Johnson is the need for a significant number of Democratic votes to pass any aid to Ukraine. Crafting legislation that could attract enough Democratic support while also including funding for Israel has proven to be a challenge, especially after a recent Israeli strike that raised concerns among Democrats about attaching conditions to aid for Israel.
House GOP leaders are considering breaking the aid package into smaller pieces, but getting it through the Senate poses another hurdle.
Focus on Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
This week, Johnson is expected to prioritize passing a bill to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. However, this effort may lead to party infighting and further strain his relationship with members of his right flank.
Impeachment Articles Against Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
House Republicans are gearing up to send articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate. The Senate is likely to dismiss the case quickly, as it would require a two-thirds majority to convict Mayorkas.
Rebuilding Efforts After Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge
Lawmakers will also address the rebuilding and recovery efforts following the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge. The federal government may need to provide additional funding for the recovery process, which could spark debate in Congress.
Deadline to Reauthorize Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Congress faces an April 19 deadline to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. House Republicans are divided on the issue, putting pressure on Johnson to find a compromise among different factions within his party.
Controversy Surrounding Section 702 of FISA
Section 702 of FISA allows the US government to collect communications records of foreign persons overseas to obtain intelligence. While supporters argue it is crucial for national security, critics have raised concerns about potential misuse and violations of privacy.
Despite the challenges ahead, Johnson remains focused on navigating through a tumultuous week in Congress, balancing the demands of his party while striving to address critical issues facing the nation.
