After the recently announced spending deal was reached between House and Senate leadership, the Republican party faces renewed internal dissent regarding the work being done by newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). The latest controversy stems from a spending framework agreed upon by congressional leaders, which has been met with disapproval by several GOP members, most notably Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) of the Freedom Caucus.
Roy, expressing his dissatisfaction on BlazeTV with host Steve Deace, did not dismiss the possibility of employing the “motion to vacate” against Speaker Johnson. This mechanism, previously used to oust former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the speakership, symbolizes a growing rift within the party over fiscal policies. “I’m leaving it on the table. I’m not gonna say I’m gonna go file it tomorrow night. I’m not saying I’m not gonna file it tomorrow. I think the speaker needs to know that we’re angry about it,” Roy stated.
🚨Caught up with CHIP ROY in Iowa on his MOTION TO VACATE comments:
“Speaker Johnson is doing all the same stupid crap that we opposed.” pic.twitter.com/D2I8iXHS1o— Aishah Hasnie (@aishahhasnie) January 9, 2024
The disagreement centers around the fiscal 2024 appropriations process, where Johnson has announced a topline agreement of $1.59 trillion, which Roy and others view as excessive and misaligned with conservative financial principles. The proposed budget, according to Roy, includes “budget gimmicks” and surpasses the fiscal 2023 omnibus spending bill negotiated under then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
.@HouseGOP FAILED to use its leverage to force cuts to inflationary spending
We must reject this "deal" w/ Dems that will INCREASE spending by ~$30 BILLION & fund agencies at war with our liberty & security – like Mayorkas' DHS#NoGimmicks #NoSideDeals #NoSecurityNoFunding pic.twitter.com/XRBmzUshyz
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) January 9, 2024
Roy’s stance represents a broader sentiment among conservative Republicans who advocate for financial restraint and oppose substantial government spending. This disagreement is not just about numbers; it’s about the direction in which the GOP should steer its fiscal policy.
However, Speaker Johnson, defending his position, emphasized the constraints under which the agreement was made. “This is not what we all want. It’s not the best deal we could get if we were in charge of both chambers and the White House. But it’s the best deal we could broker under the circumstances,” Johnson told reporters.
The internal debate within the Republican party is not just about the current fiscal policy but also reflects deeper divisions over strategic approaches and long-term objectives. Firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) criticized Roy’s suggestion of a motion to vacate as counterproductive. In a statement to reporters, Greene highlighted the chaos and reduced efficacy resulting from such internal conflicts. “And I would say that Chip Roy haphazardly throwing in a motion to vacate is probably about the dumbest thing that could happen,” she said.
