(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In further trouble inside the congressional GOP, a Republican US senator has joined the chorus of critics blasting House Speaker Mike Johnson with accusations of siding with the Democrats over a controversial vote on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
See the video of the senator’s comments below!
Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) criticism focused on Johnson’s decision to vote alongside 126 Democrats and 86 Republicans against a proposed amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
This amendment aimed to introduce a requirement for federal agencies to obtain a warrant before searching the data of US citizens.
Highlighting the constitutional underpinnings of his argument, Senator Paul emphasized the infringement on citizens’ rights.
“FISA doesn’t obey the fourth amendment, and so Speaker Johnson was incredibly wrong,” Paul told Fox News.
He expressed dismay at Johnson’s alignment with Democrats on this issue.
“He broke the tie. He voted with the Democrats. Here we have the leader of the Republicans in the House votes with the Democrats against a warrant requirement,” the senator said.
Moreover, Paul critiqued Johnson for his support of a spending package, again aligning with a majority of Democrats, questioning the distinguishability of Johnson’s leadership from Democratic governance.
“As I see it now, I’m not so sure there’s a difference between Mike Johnson being in charge and the Democrats being in charge,” Paul alleged.
Senator Paul conveyed disappointment in Johnson, who initially seemed to embody conservative values upon his elevation to House Speaker.
However, according to Paul, Johnson has fallen short of effectuating meaningful advancements for the Republican agenda in the House, allowing Democrats and national security advocates to profit from his legislative choices.
Paul challenged Johnson to assert his leadership and distinct political stance more forcefully:
“But Johnson hasn’t held his ground. He has power, he has the majority. Use the power of the purse, Speaker Johnson. Do something to make us think you are different than the Democrats, but so far, I don’t see a lot of difference,” the senator argued.
The legislative journey of this FISA bill remains uncertain, oscillating in the House over procedural decisions immediately following its passage.
Amidst escalating scrutiny of Johnson’s actions, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has escalated the situation by filing a motion last month to oust the House Speaker.
Sen. @RandPaul on Speaker Johnson's House leadership so far.
"As I see it now, I'm not sure there's a difference between Mike Johnson being in charge and the Democrats being in charge."pic.twitter.com/gDMOFQGB51
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) April 14, 2024
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