Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) expressed her concerns about Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) potentially seeking unchecked power akin to “King Johnson” just like how Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) became known as “Queen Pelosi.”
Spartz was among the 11 House Republicans who voted against tabling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to remove Johnson as the House leader. She was joined by other lawmakers like Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Chip Roy (R-TX) in this vote against the motion.
According to Spartz, the intention behind challenging Johnson’s leadership was to prevent one person from wielding excessive authority in the “People’s House.” She underscored the importance of upholding the rules and accountability of the Speaker, stressing that the institution should not be run like a monarchy.
Furthermore, Spartz highlighted the efforts made by conservatives to promote transparency and openness in the House at the start of the congressional term. However, she expressed disappointment in Johnson’s decision to strike a deal with Democrats to maintain his position, enabling the passage of questionable bills like omnibus spending legislation and reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without requiring a warrant for searches of Americans’ communications.
Spartz criticized Johnson for prioritizing deals with Democrats over working with conservatives to advance a Republican agenda on the House floor, citing concerns about the impact of such actions on the country.
