Live updates: Memo detailing Johnson ‘fails’ circulating among Republicans ahead of Speaker vote
A five-page, 26-point memo detailing “fails” under Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) leadership is circulating among House Republicans as the first ballot draws near.
A copy of the document obtained by The Hill reads: “The House must be organized to deliver on the historic mandate granted to President Trump and Republicans. It currently is not – as demonstrated many times over the last year and, most recently, the week before Christmas.”
Johnson has a narrow margin for error in Friday’s Speakership vote.
Assuming all members are present and voting for a candidate, Johnson can afford to lose only one GOP vote — and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is widely seen as an immovable “no.”
Roughly a dozen other conservative Republicans are undecided.
The election of the Speaker must be completed before the House can take any other actions, including swearing in its members, adopting a rules package and, eventually, certifying President-elect Trump’s victory Monday.
On the other side of the Capitol, senators anticipate far less drama but will also see new members sworn in on the first day of the new Congress.
Follow along with live updates below.