Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R- LA) will remain in the top position in the House of Representatives for now, after a motion to vacate was tabled by an overwhelming majority vote of 359-43. Johnson has faced criticism from some due to recent appropriations and an aid package for Ukraine.

While the failed motion to vacate was filed weeks ago, the vote this week came as a surprise to many in the House. Johnson met earlier in the week with some of his critics, and the effort was put on hold at that time. Eleven Republicans voted to move forward on the motion to vacate. While Johnson survived this effort, his harshest critics continue to threaten to pursue another motion to vacate the office of the Speaker in the future.

Leadership of the House of Representatives is important to monitor as the House works on preparing Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bills, and FMA will continue to closely monitor any developments and the impact on funding the federal workforce beyond September 30, 2024.