House Republican says he’s still not a firm yes on Johnson for Speaker

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) said he will likely back Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in the leadership vote this week, but he’s still not a firm yes.

McCormick joined NewsNation’s “The Hill” on Monday, where he was asked if he’d vote for Johnson on Friday.

“Most likely,” he replied. “We have decisions to be making and we have to discuss with each other about 10 people who are leaning.”

“And what that means is we want reassurances,” McCormick continued. “I’m not really sure we’re taking the debt seriously. I’m not really sure we’re doing the right things.”

The House will vote on Friday for its next Speaker. Johnson’s leadership position hangs in the balance as some hard-line conservatives are upset with his negotiations on the continuing resolution and the aid sent to Ukraine.

President-elect Trump has given an endorsement to Johnson, potentially swaying some who were wavering about voting for the sitting speaker. However, some Republicans are unconvinced.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said he wouldn’t be voting for Johnson and disagreed with Trump’s endorsement. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said he would need more conversation with Johnson before deciding later this week.

Like Burchett, McCormick said he wants to speak more with Johnson before he votes for him.

“I want a specific plan. When we talk about what we are going to make our cuts, how are we going to save this nation from bankruptcy?” McCormick later added, “I just don’t think we have a plan.”

The Georgia lawmaker expressed frustration with Congress, saying he doesn’t think elected officials are “taking this seriously.”

“I need to see exact plans, what we’re going to do, how we’re going to tackle this, so that I know that we’re going to actually have something that’s not going to be passed because 100 percent of Democrats vote for it,” he said.

McCormick also rebuked the criticism of Trump over the budget issue. It’s up to Congress to be responsible for the budget, he said.

“He can have his own ideas, but ultimately, it’s up to us to be responsible and pass a budget that’s somewhat responsible because we haven’t done that in about 30 years,” McCormick said.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

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