Republican Revolt Puts Pressure On Speaker Mike Johnson As Discharge Petitions Surge

House Speaker Mike Johnson has faced intensified dissent this month as rank-and-file Republicans increasingly use discharge petitions to bypass leadership and force floor votes. Frustration over his handling of the narrow GOP majority has led members to seek alternate routes to advance their priorities.

Discharge Petitions Become a Prominent Tool

Members frustrated by what they describe as Johnson's inaction have turned to the discharge petition, a procedural mechanism that can bring a bill to the floor if it secures a majority of signatures. The tactic produced a notable result on Thursday when a Democratic measure reversing President Trump's executive order that limited collective bargaining rights for some federal employees passed the House with support from nearly two dozen Republicans — driven in part by a Democratic-led discharge petition.

Health Care Credits and Bipartisan Pressure

Moderates are also pressing Johnson to allow votes on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expire at year-end. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) filed a discharge petition seeking a two-year extension with reforms; by Friday it had 11 Republican backers. A separate, bipartisan petition from Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) for a one-year extension — also with reform provisions — similarly had the support of 11 Republicans.

Internal Criticism and Fractures

Several House Republicans have openly questioned Johnson's effectiveness. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) said the current deadline-driven scramble and reliance on rank-and-file compromises reflects weak leadership. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a member of Johnson's leadership team, publicly rebuked the speaker over a policy dispute but ultimately secured language in the annual defense bill requiring the FBI to notify Congress about counterintelligence inquiries into candidates.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) followed through on a months-long pledge to push for a vote banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, filing a discharge petition to try to reach the 218 signatures needed to force floor consideration. Meanwhile, MS Now reported that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has been privately sounding out support to remove Johnson as speaker, though she publicly denied intentions and any formal effort would require at least nine Republican defectors to trigger a motion to vacate.

Leadership Response And Outlook

Johnson has convened meetings with leaders of several conference factions — including a Friday meeting with the so-called "five families" — calling the talks "very productive" and expressing confidence that a unifying piece of legislation is possible. He told reporters he was "not worried" about his standing, noting the conference contains many differing opinions.

"There's 220 or so people in this conference, and lots of different opinions. Everybody's not delighted with every decision every day. But that's Congress," Johnson said.

Supporters point out that a small majority makes governing inherently difficult. Aaron Cutler, a former aide to ex-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, defended Johnson's approach, saying he allows members to vent rather than trying to control every aspect of public debate. At a White House event, former President Trump praised Johnson's management of the slim majority, saying, "What a great job you're doing. It's not easy to manage with a majority of three."

What To Watch

• Whether discharge petitions continue to grow and compel additional floor votes.
• If moderates can sustain pressure to secure an Affordable Care Act premium tax credit extension.
• Whether nine or more Republicans ultimately sign a motion to vacate, which would threaten Johnson's speakership.