Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reportedly lost his temper at Republican colleagues last week before being forced to pull yet another bill due to lack of support from members of his own party.
In a closed-door meeting with a group of Republicans on July 16, who threatened to vote against a military benefits package for veterans, Johnson made the outburst as MAGA Rep. Anna Paulina Luna argued with another lawmaker over what she called “terrible legislation.”
“I’m sick of this s***,” said Johnson, according to NOTUS.
The speaker later apologized to Luna and then to the elementary school-aged son of Rep. Gabe Evans, who witnessed the encounter.
The reported encounter reflects internal frustrations between Johnson, who has been forced to pull other bills, and House Republicans, some of whom criticize Johnson for his loyalty to President Donald Trump.
The Independent has asked Johnson’s office for comment.
For months, House Republicans have faced internal challenges as Johnson attempts to pass legislation supporting the president’s agenda with a razor-thin majority.
In May, the House had to pull a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at curbing Trump’s war in Iran after realizing they did not have the votes to defeat Democrats. Last fall, Johnson was forced to pull a bill that would have temporarily reopened the government because not enough Republicans supported it.
Without the flexibility to lose votes on key bills, Johnson has had to make concessions with members rebelling against some of the legislation – namely from the Freedom Caucus, the faction with some of the most conservative lawmakers.
“He’s capitulating to the wants of the Freedom Caucus,” an unnamed House Republican told Fox News Digital this week. “The Freedom Caucus are in control. The rest of us are just following.”
Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska told NOTUS that the situation “creates anger and resentment.”
Some Republicans have reportedly suggested new rules that would punish GOP representatives who vote against procedural motions by stripping them of committee assignments, a source told NOTUS.
Luna, former member of the Freedom Caucus, responded to the allegation on X Friday, writing: “Well, here we go. Murmur about stripping us of our committee assignments for voting NO on terrible legislation.”
Another House Republican told Fox News Digital they didn’t think Johnson was doing enough to ensure his members make progress on their own legislative priorities.
“Members have said ‘We don’t report to the White House. We don’t report to the executive branch. We should be able to make these decisions on our own,’” another unnamed House Republican said.
Others have expressed sympathy for Johnson, who is typically even-keeled. Rep. Carlos Gimenez told NOTUS Johnson is in a “very difficult situation” and that frustrations are mostly directed at the lawmakers who leverage their position to get concessions.
Bacon similarly sympathized, saying the other member “should be adults and be responsible.”
“So, it’s really the individuals versus Mike. I mean, Mike can only do so much,” Bacon said.
