Speaker Mike Johnson Removes Rep. Thomas Massie from Rules Committee and Mike Turner from Intelligence Committee Following Vote Against Censure of Schiff

Jan 15, 2025, 11:07 PM

House Speaker Mike Johnson has removed Representative Thomas Massie from the House Rules Committee following a closed-door vote by the House Republican conference. Massie, a Kentucky Republican, was reportedly the only member to vote against Johnson's reelection as Speaker. The GOP's new Rules Committee lineup includes members such as Rep. Virginia Foxx, Rep. Michelle Fischbach, and Rep. Ralph Norman. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Massie and party leadership, with some GOP members expressing concern over the move. In a separate development, Speaker Johnson also ousted Rep. Mike Turner from the House Intelligence Committee, citing the need for a 'fresh start' within the intelligence community. Turner, who had been a vocal advocate for national security and oversight, was removed following a vote by the Republican conference. Johnson emphasized that the decision was not influenced by former President Trump, despite speculation regarding Trump's involvement due to Turner's previous opposition to certain party lines.