#Speaker Johnson R-LA

[govtshutdown]

No surprise there

[theonion]

As part of an effort to ensure the benefits were only allocated to those in “true need,” a new federal law went into effect Thursday requiring all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to balance food on their nose until they receive the command to eat it. “There’s no reason why working-age, able-bodied food stamp recipients can’t show us that they’re very good boys,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who demonstrated how the new SNAP requirement would work by carefully placing a block of cheddar cheese onto a constituent’s nose before backing away and holding out an open palm. Full Story

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Morgan Stephens at Daily Kos:

When asked if he would reconvene the House to vote on additional FEMA aid for Hurricane Helene across the southeast U.S. and Hurricane Milton victims in Florida, Speaker Mike Johnson declined—for the second time this week.  “To be clear: Congress will act again upon its return in November to address funding needs and ensure those impacted receive the necessary resources,” Athina Lawson, a spokesman for Johnson, said in a statement to POLITICO on Thursday.

Talk about hypocrisy.  Johnson visited Helene disaster sites in North Carolina, and had the audacity to attack FEMA, all while refusing to bring the House back together for a vote for more aid. On Thursday, he posted on X: “Congress is fully prepared to provide additional disaster relief funding as soon as states submit their damage assessments. Our prayers and support are with every American community across the broad swath of these historic storms.” U.S. military deliveries of emergency supplies in Western North Carolina’s “unreachable areas” are still being dropped by air to isolated residents due to unusable roads, lack of water supply, and power outages. FEMA has spent $9 billion already, nearly half of its allocated $20 billion budget in just eight days. 

[...]

This comes after President Joe Biden sent a letter last Friday formally asking Congress for more funding and to reconvene in the wake of the natural disaster. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) does not want to help Hurricane Helene and Milton victims. Vote Democratic if you want reliable disaster relief instead of it becoming a political football.

[wilwheaton]

According to a deep dive into how House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) managed to get most of his caucus and Donald Trump to agree on a budget package that kept the government working until March, the Washington Post is reporting that Johnson "blindsided" the president-elect by also negotiating with Democrats. That, in turn, led Trump to prompt billionaire adviser Elon Musk to launch a war on the House leadership in a flurry of attacks on X that derailed the proposed deal at the time.

'Blindsided' and 'furious' Trump turned Elon Musk loose on House leadership: insider

This is hilarious.

There is no way Trump instructed Leon to do anything, and anyone who has been paying attention to Trump for more than four seconds knows this.

This is a transparent effort by Trump’s Haigrographers to shape a story that is deeply humiliating to him, because it exposes how weak and pathetic he is.

“Yeah, that thing Leon did that blew everything up and was deeply humiliating to me? I did that! It was me! I sent him!” *fills diapers again* “I did it! Now let’s stare into the middle distance for 25 minutes while I continue shitting myself.”

[saywhat-politics]

Speaker Mike Johnson floats eliminating federal courts as GOP ramps up attacks on judges

Republican lawmakers are setting their sights on the judiciary following court rulings that have halted Trump's agenda.

March 25, 2025, 10:47 AM MST

By Scott Wong, Melanie Zanona and Rebecca Kaplan

WASHINGTON — Facing pressure from his right flank to take on judges who have ruled against President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Tuesday floated the possibility of Congress eliminating some federal courts.

It’s the latest attack from Republicans on the federal judiciary, as courts have blocked a series of actions taken by the Trump administration. In addition to funding threats, Trump and his conservative allies have called for the impeachment of certain federal judges who have ruled against him, most notably U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who attempted to halt Trump from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants.

[sayruq]

Two months ago, this is what Schumer was saying

[republicansaredomesticterrorists]

“Louisiana officials routinely schedule amendment voters on dates when they think turnout will be abysmally low and only people motivated to vote yes will show up. That was the plan this time. The governor and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., unaware that their microphones were on at a White House last week, were heard discussing the percentage of voters expected to show up.

“What’s the anticipated turnout?” Johnson asks.

Landry says, “Well, we thought it was going to be 12, but it looks like it might be 18%.”

“That’d be huge for an election,” Johnson said, “I mean, for an amendment vote.”

The 21% turnout, though still low, was nearly double what Landry had thought it would be. And that was enough to send a signal. Black voters led the charge, making up 37% of early voters, and voters made it clear that they won’t stand for policies that put political interests over the well-being of their communities.

Yet, instead of respecting the will of the voters, the governor dismissed them, and conservative legislators are scrambling to put the same amendments back on a future ballot. Such tone-deaf leadership is why voter engagement is on the rise. Voters are clear their leaders aren’t listening to them.”

[mariacallous]

Democrats unite to protect the first openly transgender member of Congress against GOP measures

Political landscapes are often contentious, but the recent uproar surrounding Representative-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.) has sparked fierce debates and solidified support across party lines. McBride is making history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, yet her historic win has come with challenges and Republican pushback.

During recent Democratic caucus meetings, Rep. Becca Balint expressed how colleagues rushed to show their support for McBride. “We have your back,” Balint recalls being told by her peers. This strong support was evident during the orientation event for new House members, where McBride's name was met with thunderous applause.

But not everyone was thrilled with McBride's election. Just days after her victory, Republican lawmakers initiated moves targeting her right to use women's restrooms at the Capitol, labeling their measures as protective of women's spaces. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced legislation aimed at banning transgender women from these facilities. Following suit, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced similar rules covering bathrooms across Capitol Hill.

Kate Redburn, co-director of the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law at Columbia Law School, articulated the current climate within the GOP, stating, “They have laser-focused on transgender inclusion as something they want to roll back.” It appears this focus on discrimination and exclusion against McBride is reflective of broader societal attitudes toward transgender individuals.

The pushback from Republicans has compelled Democrats to rally publicly around McBride. Many see this as not merely supporting her, but also as defending the dignity of the entire LGBTQ community. Balint emphasized the need for Democrats to loudly express their support, ensuring they send the message to Republicans: defiance against discrimination and bigotry is firm.

Johnson and Mace’s actions have stirred heated discussions on civil rights and gender equality. Critics, including Balint, argue these actions are cruelly targeted at McBride, aiming to dehumanize her before even taking her oath of office. McBride's colleagues made clear they’ll unite against this tide of discrimination, and they recognize the wider repercussions for queer representation and safety on Capitol Hill.

The incoming representative has taken the scrutiny and allegations against her in stride, framing her role not as one to focus on these confrontations but rather as implementing solutions for Delawareans. “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families,” McBride stated, reiteratively impressing her constituents’ basic needs above partisan disputes.

Though McBride acknowledges the intense scrutiny she faces, she is determined to not let it distract her from her goals. McBride's steadfast resolve is also shared by her supporters back home, who feel disappointed by how she has been welcomed to her new role. They maintain confidence in her ability to navigate difficult situations within Congress.

Conversely, reactions to her handling of the Republican measures have not been entirely supportive among some members of the LGBTQ community. Some activists criticized her compromise as capitulation, worrying it might send the wrong message to both the Republican Party and the trans community. The anxiety stems from fears of greater future repercussions stemming from Republican advances, most recently discussed by influential trans figures and journalists.

Specifically, Natalie Boedecker, who identifies as transgender, expressed disappointment with McBride's approach. “Her capitulation sends the wrong message to the GOP and to the larger trans community,” Boedecker indicated. Others echoed her sentiment, expressing feelings of betrayal as they witnessed perceived succumbing to bullying tactics from the Republican leadership.

Balint and other supportive representatives highlight the importance of McBride's presence as part of the legislative process not only for trans rights but for all constituents. They argue continued dialogue and expression of solidarity are the best paths forward. Meanwhile, McBride herself aims to engage positively with both allies and opponents, hoping to demonstrate her effectiveness as a legislator beyond identity politics.

This challenging situation reflects the broader divisions within America today—where identity politics intersects with traditional party lines, bringing to light the urgent need for dignity and respect across all political spectrums. It sheds light on how one representative, emblematic of broader struggles for equality, remains steadfast, even as she navigates the tumultuous waters of American politics.

Democratic leaders contend these tactics against McBride reflect not only targeted bullying but also broader systemic issues of discrimination. Despite the incoming Congress facing numerous pressing matters, such as the economy and social safety nets, the focus laid by the GOP on McBride highlights their strategic emphasis on divisive identity politics.

Moving forward, Republican efforts to curtail transgender rights might not only affect McBride but potentially influence the wider LGBTQ community. It signifies to many the challenges still faced by transgender individuals, particularly those trying to navigate political spaces traditionally dominated by conservative ideologies.

Yet, even amid such adversity, McBride continues to inspire others. Advocates from across the spectrum remain hopeful, viewing her role as pivotal not just for her constituents but for future representation. The continuous fallout from her election attests to the complexity of social justice movements and the resilience required to navigate them effectively.

The mix of overwhelming support and vocal opposition highlights the delicate balance McBride must strike at every turn. Her approaches, whether through strategic compliance or outspokenness, reflect the tough line politicians walk between principle and pragmatism. And as she prepares to take her seat, the real story may well be how she will influence the dynamics of power and representation moving forward.

With eyes on her, the story of Sarah McBride serves as both a challenge and beacon for change, demonstrating the significant societal shifts underway as previously marginalized groups gain voices and visibility.

The stakes are high—how will McBride navigate this uncharted territory? What will her leadership look like amid scrutiny? For now, only time will tell how her tenure will shape the future of queer representation within the halls of Congress.

Nevertheless, the stage is set for what many hope will be a reformation of engagement within the political system. The vigor of civil rights protections and the legitimacy of marginalized identities will likely remain at the forefront of discussion as McBride embarks on her mission to serve Delaware and the trans community at large.

[democratthatlovesguns]

Want to know what victim blaming looks like in a red state?

Very similar to how rape victims are treated in red states ... The republican party is ready to blame the people of Ukraine for the russian assholes that continue to occupy their country. I'd say it will be a couple of days before Speaker Putin's Johnson Up His Ass will be singing the same hero's hymn that Trump and Vance are singing about Putin right now.

Just as young girls in red states are "asking for it" by wearing short shorts or wearing too much makeup or having the audacity to walk alone at night without a companion, the republicans believe Ukraine was "asking to be invaded" by being too friendly to their neighbors on the west.

That is TRULY how fucking stupid the republicans are. No surprises there though, these are the same people that heard Trump say "love the uneducated" and they got up and threw their panties on stage for him.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Every editorial board must do the same. Bravo, Charlotte Observer. This is how it’s done.

+

THE PARTY TOLD YOU TO REJECT THE EVIDENCE OF YOUR EYES AND EARS. IT WAS THEIR FINAL, MOST ESSENTIAL COMMAND.

TCinLA

Oct 07, 2024

Brian Beutler described this perfectly this morning:

When Donald Trump started telling conspicuous lies about the federal response to Hurricane Helene, all of MAGA understood the assignment.

His supporters understood they should spread rumors or fabricate anecdotes consistent with Trump’s claims. They should portray their own confusion as government malice or incompetence. They should claim to have witnessed FEMA abandoning Republican-heavy regions and illegal immigrants walking away with relief money first hand. They should even use artificial intelligence technology to fabricate images that reinforce these lies.

Elon Musk and Trump’s other ultra-wealthy supporters understood it as their solemn duty to draw as much attention to these lies as possible.

Its also a trial run for the chaos they intend to sow through the election.

David Simon expressed disgust on behalf of many: “For the chance to gain some political advantage, the Republican nominee for U.S. president is willing to lie, and in doing so, actually impair the ongoing efforts to help the Americans made vulnerable by this hurricane. That level of sociopathy simply astonishes.”

(The old astonishing has been astonishingly surpassed by the new astonishing.)

From The Hill today:

SPEAKER JOHNSON CALLS FEDERAL RESPONSE TO HELENE ‘A MASSIVE FAILURE’

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the federal response to Hurricane Helene a “massive failure” and pointed to the hundreds of people still missing.

“At the federal level, this has been a massive failure. And you can just ask the people there on the ground. I have been there. I was in Georgia. I was in Florida, where Hurricane Helene made landfall, there on the coast. And then we’ll be going to the hardest hit parts of North Carolina on Wednesday of this week,” Johnson told Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday.”

Johnson said the federal government had advance notice of the hurricane and should have been better equipped to respond.

“When you talk to the people who are directly affected, they will tell you this has been an abject failure. FEMA has lost sight of its core mission, I think, in so many cases, and the administration has not shown that they were prepared for this, this eventuality, and this terrible disaster.

“They had more than a week’s notice of this, and yet we still have people who have not been served and even rescued,” Johnson added. “In North Carolina, it is a heartbreaking, tragic and infuriating situation to have the federal government fail, as they have well.”

The remarks come as Republicans have sharpened their attacks on the federal response to Hurricane Helene, just one month ahead of Election Day.

The federal government and other local and federal officials have fought back against claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inept.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said recently that he was impressed with the federal response, noting North Carolina’s impact was not expected to be as severe as it was.

“For anybody who thinks that any level of government, anybody here, could have been prepared precisely for what we’re dealing with here, clearly are clueless,” Tillis said. “But right now, I’m out here to say that we’re doing a good job.”

The federal government has also sought to dispel rumors about the lack of federal funding available to residents affected by the national disaster.

FEMA has set up a designated “rumor response page” to fight misinformation and inform residents of available funding.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded to Johnson’s criticism by pointing to “a wide range of leaders in both parties and from every affected state” who “have praised the bipartisan response to Hurricane Helene.”

Bates pointed to Tillis’s remarks, as well as to comments made by other GOP officials, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who called the federal response “superb,” and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), who said he “appreciated” Biden’s offer to “call him directly” if the governor needed further assistance.

Bates also quoted Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who said, “This is an incredible experience for me. So, to President Biden, thank you for coming. Thank you for paying attention to our needs. We have had a good working relationship between the federal government.”

[govtshutdown]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/speaker-touts-gop-wins-on-migrant-detention-in-funding-deal

Bloomberg will make you pay to read the whole thing, but here's the salient text:

“Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday promoted a funding boost for migrant detention and cuts to diversity and climate programs to try to sell his restive Republican conference on a $1 trillion spending deal.” “The Republican leader told reporters he plans to hold a vote Friday on the still-secret text of the spending package, which he negotiated with the White House and Democratic congressional leaders.”

[liberalsarecool]

Fcuk Speaker Mike Johnson [R-LA]

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate:

With a simple yet striking sign, U.S. Rep. Emily Randall, a Washington Democrat, is making a bold statement against Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s new bathroom policy, which bars transgender people from using Capitol facilities aligned with their gender identity. Outside Randall’s fifth-floor Washington, D.C., office in the Longworth House Office Building, a colorful sign reads, “All Gender Restroom.” Below, it cheerfully proclaims, “All are welcome to use our restroom regardless of gender identity or expression, political ideology, or shoe size.” The sign hangs beneath an embossed seal of the State of Washington, accompanied by the words “Welcome, Please Come In.” She announced the open-door policy on Instagram during her second week in Congress. “There’s been a lot of chatter here on the hill about who’s allowed to use the bathrooms and where, which is weird, frankly, but I want to make sure that anyone who comes to visit the People’s House has access to the things that they need to be comfortable and to advocate for the issues that matter to them,” she said in the video, adding, “So if you need to go to the bathroom while you’re here in D.C., you can use ours.” Randall, the first out queer woman to represent Washington state in Congress, shared her motivation for the sign during a tour of the space with The Advocate. “When I heard about these restrictive bathroom rules, I knew we needed to do something to push back, even in a small way,” she said. “Our office is a place where everyone should feel safe and respected. That’s what this sign represents.” The welcoming gesture stands in stark contrast to Johnson’s policy, quietly enacted earlier this month, which mandates single-sex restroom use based on sex assigned at birth. [...] Randall’s decision to open her office restroom to all is more than a practical solution—it’s a symbolic act of defiance in a Congress where LGBTQ+ rights are under increasing attack. Visitors to her office are greeted by the colorful sign and her small dog, Bad Bunny, who has become a cheerful and a bit temperamental mascot for the inclusive space. Randall said the idea for the open-bathroom policy came during new member orientation when she first learned of Johnson’s plans. “Making it harder for people to use the bathroom doesn’t help anyone,” she told The Advocate. “We have so much important work to do—on cost-of-living issues, health care, education—but instead, we’re seeing attacks on marginalized communities being used as political distractions.”

Happy to see Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA) defy House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)’s capricious anti-trans bathroom rules in the Capitol. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[wilwheaton]

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Sunday morning left several observers stunned when he heaped praise on former President Donald Trump's physical prowess. During an interview on "Meet the Press," Johnson was asked about the former president repeating debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Johnson responded by lavishing Trump with compliments about his physical and mental capabilities. "He has more stamina and mental acumen and strength than any political figure probably in the history of the country that I can remember," Johnson said at one point. Johnson further went on to dismiss concerns about Trump not releasing his medical records by saying that the former president "doesn't require as much sleep as the average person" and that he's "an unusual figure." Johnson's obsequious flattery of Trump left many observers on Twitter appalled. "I remain amazed at the number of people psychologically hard wired for cultism," marveled national security expert Steve Metz. "We’re approaching North Korea level of sycophancy when the speaker of the House of Representatives describes Trump in words that the typical internet rando might be slightly ashamed to post," observed Georgetown Law professor Aderson Francois.

'Hard wired for cultism': Mike Johnson's gushing praise of Trump leaves observers stunned

[saywhat-politics]

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) warned Democrats to "respect" President Donald Trump when he addresses a joint session of Congress this week.

"Are you expecting the Democrats to put on some kind of a resistance show on Tuesday night?" Fox News host Maria Bartiromo asked Johnson in an interview on Sunday.

"Boy, I hope not," the speaker cautioned. "I hope they respect the decorum of the institution. It's really important."

[istrumpstillpresident]

yes

(4/1/25)