Former Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO ) said Monday on CNN’s “Out Front ” that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA ) had “backbone ” for advancing foreign aid funding in separate bills, which did not include border security funding as many in his caucus preferred.
Buck said, “ I think Mike Johnson ’s on the right side of history. And I believe that both Republicans and Democrats did unite around a leader on Capitol Hill. On Capitol Hill, it is a rare commodities. Mike has the strength to advance quite significant and contentious regulations. If you do n’t like this package, voting for or against the speaker should not be the way to go. I think Mike endures. ”
Guest network Erica Hill said, “So you think he survives. What about this alliance itself? As you recently heard her say,” Oh, there must be some deal with Democrats here. What sacrificed did he make for them? They might be anticipating anything in return. We only heard that some Democrats want to condemn Johnson for crossing the aisle. What could this republican active look like? ”
Buck said, “I’m never surprised at all about the alliance. I believe the alliances are based on the specific legislation that is being discussed, not always a direct conflict between some Republicans and some Democrats. ”
Following Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN