Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) joined the effort to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) following Johnson’s willingness to pass a foreign aid package that included funds for Ukraine. Gosar’s comments came amid an effort started by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and joined by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Gosar wrote this week that he sought the dismissal of the speaker following the foreign aid package news. The Arizona representative referenced millions of illegal aliens who have crossed into the United States in the last three years since President Joe Biden took office.
“These illegal aliens have brought violent crime, deadly drugs, human trafficking and are depleting resources and services meant for U.S. citizens. In fact, every state has become a border state. Communities across the country are being ravaged, families are being destroyed and Americans in need are being ignored,” said Gosar.
“Congress cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the consequence of Biden’s disastrous open border policies, nor can it idly wait for Biden to halt this invasion through executive fiat. Congress has the responsibility to solve this crisis,” he wrote.
The representative said that the money intended for foreign aid should be sent “secure our southern border” instead. He said that the prospective $61 billion in aid for Ukraine would be incorrect.
NEWS: Rep. Paul Gosar now supporting motion to vacate, behind MTG and Thomas Massie pic.twitter.com/gfoCPkZtaf
— Mica Soellner (@MicaSoellnerDC) April 19, 2024
“I have added my name in support of the motion to vacate the Speaker. Our border cannot be an afterthought. We need a Speaker who puts America first rather than bending to the reckless demands of the warmongers, neo-cons and the military industrial complex making billions from a costly and endless war half a world away,” said Gosar.
The criticism of congressional leadership has increased among some Republicans in recent days after an effort to remove Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed this week.
Despite the successful effort to impeach Mayorkas in the House over his approach to the current border crisis, the Senate voted to dismiss efforts to remove him from office.
“Impeachment should never be used to settle a policy disagreement,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “That would set a horrible precedent for the Congress.”
The House passed the impeachment bill by a single vote in February after an effort by the speaker and House Republicans.
