Introducing Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), the newly appointed House speaker, who has a powerful vision for the House GOP: to operate “like a well-oiled machine.” This phrase has become his staple, making appearances during his media interactions, including an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News. According to Johnson, House Republicans are experiencing great unity and readiness, functioning cohesively. However, while Johnson is eager to emphasize the healing and unity within the party following a contentious leadership battle, evidence suggests that there is still work to be done.
Signs of division and discord are emerging within the 221-member conference. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) recently brought a resolution to the House floor, seeking to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) for alleged antisemitic and insurrectionist activities related to a protest against the Israel-Hamas war. While the protest in question was nonviolent, Greene equated it with the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American in Congress, denounced Greene’s resolution as Islamophobic. The resolution ultimately failed, with 23 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Greene expressed her frustration by publicly naming and shaming Republicans who voted against her. She did not hold back on Thursday, referring to Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) as “vaping groping Lauren Boebert,” citing a video that captured Boebert behaving inappropriately during a theater outing. Boebert, known for her fiery rhetoric, took a restrained approach, emphasizing her focus on substantive issues like border security, inflation, gas prices, and grocery prices.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) also found himself a target of Greene’s ire. She referred to him as “Colonel Sanders,” likely in reference to Roy’s distinctive white beard. Roy, unimpressed, dismissed the remark, urging Greene to focus on more important matters, such as her previous claims about “Jewish space lasers.” Another point of contention was the failed attempt on Wednesday to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), initiated by fellow New York Republicans. Santos celebrated the outcome as a victory for due process, prompting Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) to comically suggest there would be “two more weeks of Santos.” Santos retaliated by posting a news story alleging that Womack’s son had been involved in drug distribution, pointing out that no one is perfect.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, Republicans are facing their own internal conflicts. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) stubbornly rejected requests from members of his own party to end his blockade on military officer nominations, which was meant to pressure the Pentagon to change its stance on abortion access for troops. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed his discontent with Tuberville’s actions, arguing that it was unfair to hinder the promotions of individuals who had no involvement in the abortion policy. As Johnson faces the arduous task of passing a $26.7 billion bill to provide weapons to Israel and cut funding for IRS tax enforcement, he must navigate the existing grievances and strife within his party. While the bill squeaked by with a few Republican detractors, including Greene, chances of success in the Senate are questionable. Any delays in providing aid to Israel will add further complications to Johnson’s nascent speakership.
As Johnson tries to rebuild team spirit within the House Republican conference, the members who command the most attention may continue to publicly criticize their colleagues. Occasionally, these members may find solace in each other’s support. After all, as Greene emerged from the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday night, she loudly proclaimed Santos’ innocence, and he quickly affirmed it.
Mastering Efficiency: Republicans Struggle to Become a ‘Well-Oiled Machine’
