Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) stated that Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) should be removed from their influential positions on the Rules Committee. This is because they voted in support of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Wednesday, who was trying to remove Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Ga.).
Greene attempted to hold a vote on Wednesday to remove someone from their position. However, Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Louisiana prevented her from doing so by proposing to delay her resolution. This proposal was then approved by a large majority of 359-43, with members from both parties supporting it.
Roy and Massie were among the 11 Republicans who supported Greene’s proposal to hold the vote.
Lawler is now expressing concern about what will happen.
“In my opinion, which I have expressed multiple times, I believe that individuals should be accountable for their actions.” Chip Roy and Thomas Massie should be immediately removed from the Rules group, regardless of any discussions about group assignments. “I’ve been saying that for weeks,” Lawler said to reporters on Wednesday after the vote, while standing on the steps of the Capitol.
“People who behave in this manner should be responsible for their actions and face consequences from their committees, the Steering Committee, and the conference,” Lawler said. “I’ve said that before, like last autumn.”
Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, served as Speaker of the House from January to March 2023. During this time, he spent four days negotiating with other members to secure their support. He decided to stop appointing three very conservative individuals, including Roy and Massie, to the Rules Committee.
The House Rules Committee has the ultimate authority to decide on all bills before they are brought to the floor. Politicians have a lot of control over which bills are looked at and how they are looked at. The Rules Committee is typically composed of the Speaker’s close friends.
McCarthy was recently fired from his position as Speaker, but Roy and Massie still have their valuable committee seats.
Lawler stated that since the beginning of the 118th Congress, there have been members who have consistently opposed the majority. “Unfortunately, this is a problem we have encountered before.”
“I don’t believe it makes any difference,” he said, and added, “Hopefully, it will make everyone more motivated” to achieve what they deserve.
Lawler stated that there should be consequences for actions, whether it’s college protesters, criminals in big cities, or actions that weaken a majority in Congress. “You should face consequences for your actions.”
