Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana is facing pressure from fellow GOP members to adjust the threshold needed to initiate the process of removing a speaker. This move would potentially allow Johnson to pass foreign aid bills independently, without relying on Democrats for support.

The proposed change involves altering the procedure known as the motion to vacate the chair, a significant decision that Johnson is reportedly considering. In an effort to make it more challenging for a single member to trigger this process, rank-and-file House Republicans have urged Johnson to modify the text of a rule pertaining to foreign aid bills.

At present, any individual member can force a floor vote on the motion to vacate, under a deal negotiated by Kevin McCarthy to become speaker in the previous year. The potential adjustment to this rule was first reported by Punchbowl News.

The House Rules Committee is scheduled to convene on Thursday to discuss the foreign aid bills. The details of the rule will be disclosed after the committee’s approval, expected later in the day. Both Democrats and Republicans are crucial in advancing the rule and securing the three-part supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Some Democrats are divided on whether to support a Republican-led rule change and the necessity of overcoming partisanship to deliver aid to Ukraine. Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan expressed concerns about the political implications in the midst of a global security crisis.

Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington state voiced her opposition to supporting a Republican rule change, criticizing Kevin McCarthy’s earlier agreement on the motion to vacate. Conversely, Representative Mike Quigley expressed openness to supporting the rule if it improves the functionality of the legislative process.

The discussions are also influenced by the perception that Johnson, despite ideological disagreements, has been a reliable partner in passing government funding and aid packages. Democrats view him as a fair negotiator and a potentially more trustworthy figure than McCarthy in critical moments of decision-making.