So glad he’s gone. Piece of shit going all scorched earth because he got his feelings hurt.

quote:

Originally posted by Ozarkwoods:
I heard today that Paul Ryan was seen talking with Johnson. That POS is a never Trumper who slow walked any agenda Trump had. We had the house and the Senate for two years and that SOB did everything he could to make Trump ineffective. Now he’s trying o influence Johnson.

Got a link?

Speaker Johnson Under Fire as Controversial Photo with Trump-Hater Paul Ryan Emerges at the Capitol

Dec. 14, 2023 9:40 pm



Speaker Johnson is currently facing backlash after a photo surfaced showing him in the company of former House Speaker Paul Ryan.

The image, captured and shared by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News, depicts the two figures emerging together from the Speaker’s suite at the Capitol. This encounter has sparked controversy, particularly given Ryan’s recent public statements criticizing former President Donald Trump.

Paul Ryan, who served as the Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019 and the architect of FOX News cancel culture, branded former President Donald Trump as an “authoritarian narcissist” while commending the actions of Trump critics, Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney.

“Look, Trump’s not a conservative. He’s an authoritarian narcissist. So I think they basically called him out for that. He’s a populist, authoritarian narcissist. So historically speaking, all of his tendencies are basically where narcissism takes him, which is whatever makes him popular, makes him feel good at any given moment… He doesn’t think in classical liberal-conservative terms. He thinks in an authoritarian way. And he’s been able to get a big chunk of the Republican base to follow him because he’s the culture warrior.”

“And so I think Adam and Liz stepped out of the flow and called it out and, you know, paid for it. Paid for it with their careers. But I think, again, back to my earlier point, I don’t think he is really very good at these jobs unless you’re willing to lose these jobs.”

The emergence of the photo, which coincides with such polarizing remarks from Ryan, fueled a backlash among supporters and fringe elements within the GOP party. Vocal segments of the social media landscape echoed sentiments of betrayal and accused Johnson of political heresy for meeting with Ryan, who is out of touch with the party’s current direction. Critics are fanning the flames, questioning Speaker Johnson’s allegiance to the party’s values and agenda.

The photo was taken a day before the House passed the $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 310-118, following the Senate’s endorsement, which now advances the bill to President Biden’s desk.

Speaker Johnson was one of the lawmakers who voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:

quote:

Originally posted by Ozarkwoods:
I heard today that Paul Ryan was seen talking with Johnson. That POS is a never Trumper who slow walked any agenda Trump had. We had the house and the Senate for two years and that SOB did everything he could to make Trump ineffective. Now he’s trying o influence Johnson.

Got a link?

It was on War Room with Steve Bannon

quote:

Originally posted by cruiser68:
So glad he’s gone. Piece of shit going all scorched earth because he got his feelings hurt.

Not only hurt feelings, I imagine the graft came to a screeching halt. Probably felt entitled to years of SoH level graft.

These Rinos are sickening. We’re no better off with them than democRATs in the grand scheme of things. It’s why we need Trump back in office… not to mention term limits.

quote:

Speaker Johnson Under Fire as Controversial Photo with Trump-Hater Paul Ryan Emerges at the Capitol

Will the House be any different under Speaker Johnson?

We shall see...

GOP Betrays Voters… Again
By Paul E. Scates

On a U.S. Treasury Department website is this opening statement: “The U.S. government has spent $1.06 trillion in fiscal year 2024 to ensure the well-being of the people of the United States.” (italics mine) That’s since October, barely two months! At this rate, your “representatives” in the House and Senate are on track to spend $7 trillion again in 2024. Are you feeling that “well-being” yet?

Still, this week the Senate passed the $886.3 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 87-13, with only six Republicans voting against the 3,000-page boondoggle. That’s right, all the other “conservative” GOP senators (like Cruz, Tim and Rick Scott, Rubio, Cotton, Johnson, Blackburn, et al) once again pulled the football back at the last minute, Charlie Brown, and left you, the hapless and gullible GOP voter, humiliated…and on the hook for another almost trillion dollars in debt.

I mean, it’s not like we’re already $33 trillion in debt, or that last year the feds took in $5 trillion but spent almost $7 trillion (which they’ll apparently do again in 2024). What’s a trillion or two among friends, after all? (Don’t ask the GOP House members… they’ll pass it on Thursday.)

How long, Republican voters, will you continue to abide this flagrant, continual, in-your-face-so-what-are-you-going-to-do-about-it betrayal of principles and campaign promises? How many times does it take before you recognize these people are lying to you just to get your vote, then they do as they damn well please… rather, as their donors and lobbyists want them to do.

In 2022, over 12,000 lobbyists spent a record $4.1 billion to influence policy and legislation in D.C. Do the math and you’ll see that comes out to 22 lobbyists per senator/representative, and over $7.5 million per Congress member! (To be fair, some of that is spent on federal agencies, so it’s actually “only” $4 or $5 million per member.) However many millions it is, I’m sure none of our distinguished gentlemen and ladies of the House and Senate are swayed in their opinions or votes by that gaudy sum… right? As some wag has written: “the finest Congress money can buy.”

https://www.americanthinker.co...s_voters_again_.html

House Dems Squeeze Johnson Over Freedom Caucus Demands

House Democrats are in a panic after the Freedom Caucus began pushing for a one-year spending stopgap that contains deep spending cuts to the tune of "$100 billion in year one," according to a Wednesday letter from the Freedom Caucus to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

In a letter to Johnson and other Congressional leaders, Democrats warned against caving to the Freedom Caucus, and that spending bills should be advanced "without harmful poison pill policy riders" (deep spending cuts) that the GOP has called for, Axios reports.

"Clean funding bills – free of contentious poison pill riders that members of both parties oppose – represent the best path forward," they said, adding that they want to stick to 2023 levels as agreed to in January.

Democrat signers include: House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), along with centrist Reps. David Scott (D-GA) annd Mike Thompson (D-CA).

The Freedom Caucus wants to, among other things, block federal funding for gender affirming care, defund anti 2nd Amendment activities, prohibit DEI programs, block student loan forgiveness, and bringing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' salary to zero.

According to the Freedom Caucus, failure to include these provisions will "reduce the probability that the appropriations bills will be supported by even a majority of Republicans," wrote 28 of the caucus' members.

If there's no new budget by April 30, 1% across-the-board cuts kick in.

Johnson is in the same tough spot as his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy - risking a shutdown by siding with the Freedom Caucus on the one-year spending stopgap, or risking being ousted from his speakership if he works with Democrats to pass a new budget that avoids the across-the-board cuts.

Between the lines: Johnson and Democrats have reached an advanced phase of negotiations on individual spending bills, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.

The current spending negotiations aren't expected to include many, if any, of the numerous restrictions on abortion, gender-affirming care and border policy that were included in earlier bills to secure enough Republican support to pass. -Axios

If nothing is done by March 1, a partial shutdown will occur - with a second phase shutting down March 8.

https://www.zerohedge.com/poli...eedom-caucus-demands

Here we go again...

The GOP seems to be on the verge of capitulating before the Democrats, again!

How many times have we witnessed the following sequence of events in D.C.?

In the first stage, D.C. Democrats float a spending package that is ridiculously expensive for the American taxpayer. The bill funds items that are dear to liberals such as “combating climate change,” “green energy,” foreign wars, foreign infrastructure, welfare funds for illegal aliens, etc.

There are often items that read like a parody sketch, but there is nothing comedic about these items because it’s money wasted; these items most often benefit the cronies of the lawmaker advocating the clause.

In the second stage, the GOP denounces the package and claims there will be no support. The phrase “dead on arrival” is employed by GOP lawmakers. GOP voters feel relieved that their representatives seem to be standing up to the recklessness and corruption of D.C.

In the third stage, the media and Democrats preemptively refer to a government shutdown if the GOP doesn’t “cooperate.” They cite examples of how government employees will not receive their salaries and how school children won’t get their meals. For a faction of the GOP who live in D.C. as second-class citizens always looking for approval from Democrats, this is a moment of panic.

In the fourth stage, the GOP leaders claim to be working with the Democrats to find — yes, that unfortunate word appears — “compromise.”

In the fifth stage, the GOP leaders rush to the nearest microphone and claim victory. They tell everyone that the revised bill contains “substantial cuts to wasteful expenditure” and is essential for [fill in the blanks]. The blanks could be any issue that is dear to the voter. What they don’t reveal is what they gave up, which is usually substantial.

In the sixth stage, the bill, which runs into thousands of pages and is written in very complicated language, is released to lawmakers after 1 a.m., a deadline is set for the vote, and the government shutdown is mentioned.

The late hour and the deadline mean there is no time for review or comprehension.

Finally, the GOP leaders coerce skeptical lawmakers to vote for the package, and then the package is passed.

Part of the GOP is relieved that they won’t be attacked on MSNBC and in the NYT for causing a shutdown. The Democrats stroll to the local pub and have a hearty laugh at how easy it was to be victorious despite being in the minority. The GOP lawmakers who willingly voted for the same bill are in the same pub but at a different table, hoping they will be invited to the Democrat table.

The sequence happened again yesterday, and the Democrats seem to be on the verge of another victory.

Congressional leaders have rolled out the final $1.2T funding package ahead of the Saturday shutdown deadline. The bill is 1,012 pages long and was released at 2:30 A.M.

Politico called the bill “a conclusive defeat for House conservatives.” CBS News states that “if approved, the package would take the threat of a government shutdown off the table until the beginning of the next fiscal year on Oct. 1.”

Politico additionally revealed that the “legislation also includes a yearlong extension of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR — an authorization Republicans had resisted, raising concerns about the program’s funds flowing to abortion providers overseas.

The package grants 12,000 new visas for a program that allows “Afghan allies who assisted in the U.S. war effort to immigrate to the U.S.” Can the government be trusted to vet these “allies”?

$1 billion is dedicated to the Pentagon’s climate change activities and funding for a new FBI headquarters.

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida revealed that the package funds a state organization that force-feeds the LGBT agenda in schools.

https://twitter.com/RepMattGae...democrats_again.html



But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) claims the package contains “substantial cuts to wasteful agencies and programs while strengthening border security and national defense[.]”

Johnson told the NY Post that the funding bill took precedence since it could affect the final “vote tally” for the foreign aid bill. “I understand the timetable and understand the necessity of the urgency, the funding,” he said. “No one wants Vladimir Putin to prevail. I’m of the opinion that he wouldn’t stop in Ukraine. If he was allowed, he’d go through all the way through Europe.”

CBS News reveals that the package “includes six bills and spans more than 1,000 pages, features money for the departments of State, Homeland Security, Defense, Labor and Health and Human Services, as well as funds for foreign operations, financial services and the legislative branch."

Texas Rep. Chip Roy blasted the bill and Speaker Johnson. Roy said Johnson “blew it” by conceding ground to Democrats on conservative policy priorities, like allowing for the Pentagon to continue its travel reimbursement policy for abortions and not including more stringent border security measures.

So what do we make of all this?

The passing of legislation lacks drama and hence the gravity of it often doesn’t register. The media rarely focuses on it because it is interested in drama.

Legislation should be simple and focused on one basic item. There needs to be one solitary bill for border security; but instead, packages are concocted with numerous disconnected spending items. This is a method to slip in items that legalize corruption and quid pro quo deals.

The lawmakers hope that their voters will never read the thousand-page package. The bills are purposefully lengthy and complicated so readers are discouraged from the very first page.

The media focuses on fiery exchanges in Congress during hearings. The lawmaker prepares for this like an actor to “humiliate” their opponents. “Thug life” sound bites are shared on social media in which a “conservative” lawmaker ostensibly stands up against the bill—and voters conflate words with actions. But usually, there is no concrete action taken after the theatrics during hearings, which few bother to verify.

The lawmakers who put on a theatrical display during the hearing surreptitiously voted for the trillion-dollar spending packages that do not benefit citizens.

These lawmakers are not held accountable because voters remember the “thug life” drama and not the vote for a harmful and expensive package. They are re-elected, and the cycle follows forever.

This is what a large section of the GOP seems to be doing over and over again.

An ineffective and unreliable ally is always much worse than a sworn enemy. The enemy is doing what is expected by working against your interests and attacking you. Betrayal occurs only when those you think of as allies side with your adversary.

Another betrayal seems to be on the way.

It’s time for voters to wake up.

https://www.americanthinker.co...democrats_again.html

House Passes Pork-Filled Bill To Fully Fund Government

https://www.zerohedge.com/poli...package-faces-uphill

The vote was 286-134, with 112 Republicans and 22 Dems against.

In short, Democrats bailed out Johnson once again - the same move which resulted in the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

As usual, Democrats slipped in as much pork as possible, including:

- $850k for a gay senior home
- $15 million to pay for Egyptian's college tuitions
- $400k for a gay activist group to teach elementary kids about being trans
- $500k for a DEI zoo
- $400k for a group to gives clothes to teens to help them hide their gender

Marjorie Taylor Greene files motion to oust Speaker Johnson


https://www.foxnews.com/politi...ohnson-lawmakers-say


Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., told reporters on Friday that she filed a motion to vacate Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accusing him of having "betrayed" the "confidence" of the House GOP Conference by ushering through a bipartisan $1.2 trillion federal funding bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Johnson won the gavel in late October after his predecessor was ousted by a motion to vacate resolution earlier that month.

"It's more of a warning and a pink slip," Greene told reporters after filing the motion. "There’s not a time limit on this, it doesn’t have to be forced... But I'm not saying that it won't happen in two weeks, or it won't happen."

Earlier, while the House was voting on the package, three GOP lawmakers on the House floor told Fox News Digital that Greene made the consequential move.

During the vote, Fox News Digital witnessed Greene sign a paper at the front of the chamber and pass it off to House staff. Her office has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Johnson's office told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Speaker Johnson always listens to the concerns of members, but is focused on governing. He will continue to push conservative legislation that secures our border, strengthens our national defense, and demonstrates how we'll grow our majority."

Greene filing a motion to vacate does not necessarily require a vote, as was the case with ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., being booted. It would only mandate action if she filed it as a "privileged resolution," meaning House leaders would need to act on it within two legislative days.

Even so, it would likely have to wait – Congress is leaving Washington on Friday for a two-week recess.

Fox News Digital heard from a fourth GOP lawmaker on Friday morning who believed Greene would be filing the motion. Asked why they thought so, the lawmaker said Greene "went in" with McCarthy as an ally and "got burned by the base" of conservative voters. "She's trying to redeem herself," they added.

In her remarks to reporters on Friday, Greene blasted Johnson for the massive $1.2 trillion spending deal, calling it "a dream and a wish list for Democrats and for the White House."

"I respect our conference. I paid all my dues to my conference. I'm a member in good standing and I do not wish to inflict pain on our conference. But this is basically a warning for us to go through the process, take our time, and find a new speaker of the House that will stand with Republicans," Greene said.

Johnson turned out to be a big Johnson with a little Johnson. 1.2 Trillion is insane! I am genuinely concerned about the fate of our nation.

Johnson had no options.

The House only has a very tiny majority and any defections sink any bills, including this one.

There's no Republican control of the Senate and until Republicans control it and the WH, ugly deals have to be made. It's just the reality that reflects the current composure.

^^^Seems to me that sinking this bill would've been the best outcome, especially for the American Taxpayer!

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Speaker Johnson Under Fire as Controversial Photo with Trump-Hater Paul Ryan Emerges at the Capitol

Dec. 14, 2023 9:40 pm



Speaker Johnson is currently facing backlash after a photo surfaced showing him in the company of former House Speaker Paul Ryan.

The image, captured and shared by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News, depicts the two figures emerging together from the Speaker’s suite at the Capitol. This encounter has sparked controversy, particularly given Ryan’s recent public statements criticizing former President Donald Trump.

Paul Ryan, who served as the Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019 and the architect of FOX News cancel culture, branded former President Donald Trump as an “authoritarian narcissist” while commending the actions of Trump critics, Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney.

“Look, Trump’s not a conservative. He’s an authoritarian narcissist. So I think they basically called him out for that. He’s a populist, authoritarian narcissist. So historically speaking, all of his tendencies are basically where narcissism takes him, which is whatever makes him popular, makes him feel good at any given moment… He doesn’t think in classical liberal-conservative terms. He thinks in an authoritarian way. And he’s been able to get a big chunk of the Republican base to follow him because he’s the culture warrior.”

“And so I think Adam and Liz stepped out of the flow and called it out and, you know, paid for it. Paid for it with their careers. But I think, again, back to my earlier point, I don’t think he is really very good at these jobs unless you’re willing to lose these jobs.”

The emergence of the photo, which coincides with such polarizing remarks from Ryan, fueled a backlash among supporters and fringe elements within the GOP party. Vocal segments of the social media landscape echoed sentiments of betrayal and accused Johnson of political heresy for meeting with Ryan, who is out of touch with the party’s current direction. Critics are fanning the flames, questioning Speaker Johnson’s allegiance to the party’s values and agenda.

The photo was taken a day before the House passed the $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 310-118, following the Senate’s endorsement, which now advances the bill to President Biden’s desk.

Speaker Johnson was one of the lawmakers who voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

I'd much rather have an authoritarian narcissist in power than what passes for a "conservative" these days.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
^^^Seems to me that sinking this bill would've been the best outcome, especially for the American Taxpayer!

Exactly.. the .gov could shutdown and my life would go on, and probably be better off..

quote:

The House only has a very tiny majority and any defections sink any bills, including this one.

There's no Republican control of the Senate and until Republicans control it and the WH, ugly deals have to be made. It's just the reality that reflects the current composure.

That's what they always say...

Then in 2016 the country gave Republicans control of the Senate and the House, and the White House... and House Speaker Paul Ryan did everything he could to thwart Trump.

Besides, even the squad voted against this.
Republicans could easily have defeated it, but it's all uniparty now.

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:

quote:

The House only has a very tiny majority and any defections sink any bills, including this one.

There's no Republican control of the Senate and until Republicans control it and the WH, ugly deals have to be made. It's just the reality that reflects the current composure.

That's what they always say...

Then in 2016 the country gave Republicans control of the Senate and the House, and the White House... and House Speaker Paul Ryan did everything he could to thwart Trump.

That's absolutely correct. Republicans are dysfunctional when they control everything but this is different since they control just the House with the slimmest of majorities. The can get concessions and ask for them from the Dems but they can't demand much with authority.

I used to blame the Democrats for deficit spending. But now I realize that the Republicans are complicit.

The American people are opposed to deficit spending... at least in the abstract. But they usually support the pork for their own district.
There really aren't many principled conservatives. If there were, we would have balanced budgets.

Johnson had several options he just chose the easy way out. Another RINO.