GOP group pressures House Republicans to backdoor Mike Johnson on major legislation

22 February 2024

A Republican-led group is now launching a six-figure ad buy with a new campaign to apply pressure to 10 House Republicans in an effort to end-run House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana).

According to Newsweek, Republicans for Ukraine is pushing for a handful of Republicans to join all Democrats in supporting a "discharge petition" against Speaker Johnson in order to bring the foreign aid bill that recently passed the US Senate to the floor of the House of Representatives. That bill would provide $60 billion in critically needed military aid for Ukraine as it struggles to maintain defense of its cities in the midst of Russia's advance. It would also send military aid to Taiwan as it seeks to stave off a potential invasion from China, and for Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza.

"For generations, the Republican Party prided itself on standing up to dictators and leading the free world. Many Republicans, including many in Congress, still identify with that party and that role for America," Gunner Ramer, a Republicans for Ukraine spokesperson, told Newsweek. "Right now the critical issue in the world is whether free countries will help defeat Putin in Ukraine."

The ad blitz is focusing on media markets in the districts of 10 Republicans who have previously been vocal in their support for Ukraine. Reps. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), Ken Buck (R-Colorado), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Jake Elizey (R-Texas), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin), Mike McCaul (R-Texas), Mike Rogers (R-Alabama), Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Steve Womack (R-Arkansas) have all been targeted, but organizers say they only need four to be successful to get a discharge petition approved.

"Republicans have a chance to make history, but only if they get to vote. That's why they should sign a discharge petition—it only takes four, but there's safety in numbers," Ramer said. "These 10 members have been leaders on Ukraine and American national security in the past, and it's time for them to be leaders again."

The ad will feature the voices of "lifelong Republican voters" who are making their case for GOP lawmakers to quickly get the next funding package to Ukraine.

"If we deal in weakness in the face of aggression it's a clear signal countries like China to invade Taiwan," an Ohio Republican voter said in the ad.

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