It was Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) who said Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) should be “immediately removed” from their powerful roles on the Rules Committee because they voted with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Wednesday to help her get rid of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Ga.).
Greene tried to get a vote on the motion to remove on Wednesday, but Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise (La.) blocked her by moving to table her resolution, which was then passed by a vote of 359-43, a huge majority of both parties.
Roy and Massie were two of the 11 Republicans who backed Greene’s plan to hold the vote.
Lawler now says they should worry about what will happen.
“From where I stand, and I’ve said this many times, I think people should be held responsible.” Chip Roy and Thomas Massie should be taken off the Rules group right away, whether you’re talking about who should be on which group. “I’ve been saying that for weeks,” Lawler told reporters on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday after the vote.
“People who act in this way should be held accountable by their committees, the Steering Committee, and the conference,” Lawler said. “That’s something I’ve said before, like last fall.”
Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was Speaker of the House from January to March 2023, made a deal with members over four days to get their support. One of the things he gave up was putting three extreme conservatives on the Rules Committee, including Roy and Massie.
The House Rules Committee has the final say on all bills before they go to the floor. This gives politicians a lot of power over which bills are considered and how they are considered. The Rules Committee is usually made up of close friends of the Speaker.
McCarthy was fired as Speaker not long ago, but Roy and Massie still have their highly sought-after committee seats.
Lawler said, “It’s clear that from the start of the 118th Congress on, there have been members who have consistently worked against the majority.” “So, unfortunately, this is not a new problem we’re facing.”
“I don’t think it changes anything,” he said, adding, “Hopefully, it makes everyone more determined” to get what’s coming.
Lawler said, “There needs to be consequences for actions, whether you’re talking about college protesters, criminals in big cities, or actions that weaken a majority in Congress.” “There should be consequences for what you do.”
