Republicans delay decision on Stefanik's legislation related to 2016 Russia investigation, causing further issues for Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a fresh challenge. GOP Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has long sought legislation responding to the FBIs investigation of Trumps 2016 campaign and Russian interference. With Republicans controlling Congress and Trump back in the White House, Stefanik viewed this period as her key chance to pass the measure and secure a political victory for Trump and his allies, who have consistently criticized the Russia probe.

The legislation would require the FBI to notify Congress whenever it opens a counterintelligence investigation into presidential or federal candidates. Some Republicans had hoped to attach the proposal to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which lawmakers aim to finalize by months end.

However, Stefanik announced on Monday that congressional leaders had excluded her provision from the NDAA. As a result, she, a senior member of both the House Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, said she would vote against the bill for the first time in her career. On social media, Stefanik stated that the Speaker was blocking her measure to address what she described as the illegal weaponization tied to past FBI investigations. She emphasized that the NDAA would be dead on arrival without her provision included.

Stefaniks opposition could create difficulties for Johnson if other Republicans follow her lead. The speakers slim House majority allows him to lose only two party-line votes before jeopardizing passage. The situation highlights growing frustration within the GOP conference, where morale is low and party infighting has intensified. Members have increasingly challenged leadership by pushing votes on their own priorities, sometimes targeting fellow Republicans.

The tensions are compounded by the resignation announcement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal Trump ally turned critic, who plans to speak out during her final weeks in Congress.

Stefanik and Johnson share a history of collaboration, including serving on Trumps defense team during his first impeachment trial. Early in their House careers, they frequently aligned on issues, and Stefanik was part of GOP leadership when Johnson became speaker. However, relations soured after the White House withdrew her nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in March, citing concerns over narrow House vote margins.

Now running for governor of New York, Stefanik has amassed over $13 million in campaign funds and recruited former Trump advisers and experienced aides in finance, communications, and operations to support her campaign.

Author: Caleb Jennings