Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) supported Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday, stating he should “keep his job” despite a threat to oust him after endorsing aid for Ukraine and Israel.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and two other GOP members are pushing to remove the Speaker, potentially causing chaos in the House.
Khanna is one of the Democrats who has said he could not back such a move after Johnson allowed a vote for $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel, which passed on Saturday.
During an ABC “This Week” interview with Jonathan Karl on Sunday, the congressman praised Johnson for facilitating the aid package's approval.
“We started in Congress together, and he has always prioritized civility. He even led the civility pledge,” Khanna said. “We only had one request, which was to allow individual votes instead of combining issues. I commend him for doing so.”
“I would actually vote to table any motion to remove him,” he added.
The progressive is known for his independent stance, but he mentioned that other progressives might also be willing to cast votes to prevent Johnson's removal.
“I’m a progressive Democrat, and I believe several others would also do that,” he stated. “While I disagree with Speaker Johnson on many matters and have criticized him, he made the right decision here and should remain in his position until the term ends.”
Greene’s motion to vacate has not been scheduled for a vote, as she has not made the resolution privileged. She has cautioned that she could take that step at any time, increasing pressure on Johnson given the diminishing House GOP majority.
