Johnson sits down with Greene, warns ouster would create ‘chaos in the House’ |
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) met with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) Wednesday after a bubbling feud in recent weeks over government funding and Ukraine aid.
Greene warned Johnson that she would push for his ouster, but he pushed back that it would create “chaos in the House.”
Greene left the meeting saying the two did not reach a deal that would help avert an ouster.
“We didn’t walk out with a deal. I explained to him that, and he acknowledged, that as a Republican member of the House, I pretty much have the best view of how the base feels and what Republican voters want,” Greene told reporters outside of Johnson’s office.
The Georgia lawmaker has expressed increasing frustration over Johnson’s handling of several issues, including government funding and aid for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Government funding:
“[Johnson] funded the Biden administration, he funded their open border policies,” Greene said. “This is not going to be tolerated by Republicans and it’s not the way to win elections. Our Republican voters do not want to vote for a Democrat agenda.” Ukraine aid:
“We are not responsible for a war in Ukraine. We’re responsible for the war on the United States border. The United States border is the only border that matters,” Greene said. “And that if he moves forward in funding Ukraine that he’s going to be personally responsible for funding the continued murder of people in a foreign country that is not a NATO ally of ours.” According to Greene, Johnson did not outline a path forward on Ukraine.
The razor-thin GOP House majority has been reeling since the chaotic appointing and then ousting of former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Johnson emerged as a late compromise candidate, but his efforts to work with the majority Democrat Senate and the Democrat-controlled White House and others have soured Greene and other allies.
Related coverage: |
|
|
Welcome to Evening Report! I’m Liz Crisp, catching you up from the afternoon and what’s coming tomorrow. Not on the list? Subscribe here. |
|
| Biden, Japan’s Kishida gather for state dinner
|
President Biden says Japan’s attempts to set up a leader-to-leader summit with North Korea would be “a good thing” and wants to extend the talks.
The news came as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida joined Biden for an official state visit at the White House on Wednesday.
“We welcome the opportunity of our allies to initiate dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” Biden said during a Rose Garden press conference with Kishida. Kishida said during a joint address that the U.S. and Japan have agreed they will work together to address “challenges from China.” “Japan will stand firm with the United States,” Kishida said. Kishida acknowledged Japan’s business ties with the U.S. and efforts to create more job opportunities. |
|
|
McCarthy blames ouster on Gaetz’s ethics record
|
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) took an apparent swipe this week at a Florida Republican who rallied for his ouster,
During an event at Georgetown University, McCarthy linked his downfall to allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
“I’ll give you the truth why I’m not Speaker. Because one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17-year-old,” McCarthy said.
Gaetz, who has been accused but not convicted of underage sex crimes, led the effort to boot McCarthy in October. (The Hill) |
|
|
Key Bridge collapse will cut monthly US coal exports by one-third: EIA |
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reduced its forecast for U.S. coal exports this month by about a third following the closure of the Port of Baltimore due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
After the closure, the EIA changed its forecast for April coal exports to 33 percent and 20 percent for May. It also cut its overall coal export projections for 2024.
The bridge collapse late last month forced the closure of the major U.S. port. (The Hill) |
|
|
Vance welcomes the Trump VP speculation
|
Sen. J.D. Vance, the Ohio Republican who authored the 2016 book “Hillbilly Elegy” is coasting on a wave of praise from former President Trump, as Trump continues to keep quiet about his running mate for November.
While not a legislative star, Vance, a first-term senator at 39 years old, has been one of Trump’s top backers and reportedly is on the former president’s shortlist for potential vice presidential candidates. But, but, but: Ohio-based Republican strategist Mark Weaver told The Hill that Vance has a “great future” in the Republican Party but is unlikely to be chosen because Ohio is already going to vote for Trump. |
|
|
The Skywalker Saga Marathon — yes, all nine “Star Wars” movies — will play in some theaters on May the 4th (obviously), including at Tysons Corner in the DMV area. It’s 20 hours and 22 minutes to sit through the whole viewing, so be prepared. 🍿 |
| |
“‘No Labels’ effort failed because its basic premise was wrong,” writes Mick Mulvaney, former congressman from South Carolina who was acting chief of staff for former President Trump. “The political nuance of Trump’s position on abortion,” via
Amanda Iovino, principal at WPA Intelligence. |
|
|
96 days until the Republican National Convention.
131 days until the Democratic National Convention.
208 days until the 2024 general election. |
|
|
8 p.m.: President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, for a state dinner at the White House, along with more than 200 guests attending the glitzy party celebrating Japan during cherry blossom season in D.C.
Highlights for the evening: Steak, cherry blossoms and Paul Simon. |
|
|
|
