Massie removed from powerful House committee after vote against Johnson

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has been removed from the powerful House Rules Committee following his decision to vote against Speaker Mike Johnson in the House leadership election. Massie, known for his hardline libertarian views, voluntarily stepped aside from the committee after opposing Johnson’s bid for speaker due to his reliance on Democratic support to pass major spending bills.

The Rules Committee plays a crucial role in determining which bills are brought to the House floor for a vote. Massie’s uncompromising positions have often set him apart from the rest of the GOP conference, with one Republican lawmaker stating that “98% of the conference wanted Massie off rules.”

In response to the news, Massie’s office did not immediately provide a comment. The House Republican conference recently convened to vote on a new committee roster, with Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., a member of the House Freedom Caucus, taking Massie’s place on the Rules Committee.

Additionally, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., will now lead the panel following the retirement of Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., was also removed from the committee and replaced by freshman Rep. Brian Jack, R-Ga.

Massie’s appointment to the Rules Committee in January 2023 was part of a deal with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to increase conservative representation. The committee, chaired by Foxx, is responsible for determining the terms of debate on bills and deciding which amendments will be considered before a House-wide vote.

After a bill passes the Rules Committee, it undergoes a House-wide “rule vote” to permit debate on the legislation before a final vote on passage. Massie’s departure from the committee marks a significant shift in the dynamics of House leadership and decision-making processes.

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report. Chris Pandolfo, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, can be contacted at chris.pandolfo@fox.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo for updates and insights on breaking news and political developments.