Elise Stefanik, Mike Johnson clash in heated exchange over defense bill

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., accused Home Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., of siding with Democrats over Republicans in a heated public assertion on Tuesday.

Stefanik, who appointed Johnson to chair the Republican Occasion management within the Home of Representatives earlier this yr, alleged that Johnson blocked a provision within the annual protection coverage invoice that will enable Republicans to retaliate for being focused in alleged instances of presidency weaponization.

Johnson known as Stefanik’s accusations “false” in feedback to reporters Tuesday morning and stated he would help such a measure.

It is an explosive rift throughout the highest ranks of the Home Republican Convention, because the Republican Occasion struggles with a razor-thin majority within the Home of Representatives.

Rep. Elise Stefanik attacked Speaker Mike Johnson on X with accusations that the Home Republican chief known as “false.” (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Name, Inc by way of Getty Photographs; Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photographs)

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The confrontation first started on Monday night, when Stefanik posted on

She pointed to ex-FBI Director James Comey’s 2017 testimony when Stefanik stated he “admitted he didn’t observe correct notification procedures” when he opened the investigation into whether or not the 2016 Trump marketing campaign colluded with Russia.

The laws is all of the extra essential now, Stefanik added, with revelations that former particular counsel Jack Smith seized telephone information from some Republican lawmakers with out their information throughout his personal investigation of President Donald Trump.

Stefanik stated she would vote in opposition to the annual protection invoice, the Nationwide Protection Authorization Act (NDAA), if it didn’t embrace this provision.

The NDAA is liable for setting nationwide safety and protection coverage for the federal authorities annually. A corresponding protection spending invoice funds that coverage.

Stefanik’s risk is particularly hanging and comes from a member of the Home Armed Providers Committee, the place the NDAA originates.

Consultant Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., throughout a Senate Overseas Relations Committee affirmation listening to in Washington, January 21, 2025. (Getty Photographs)

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She adopted her publish Tuesday morning with the same accusation: “I simply got here out of a briefing on this challenge this morning and CONFIRMED the whole lot I posted yesterday.”

“That sure, in truth the Speaker is obstructing my provide to eradicate the unlawful weaponry that led to Crossfire Hurricane, Arctic Frost and extra. He sides with [Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.] in opposition to Trump Republicans to dam this provision to guard the deep state,” Stefanik continued.

‘That is a simple one. This invoice is [dead on arrival] until this provision is added as handed out of committee,” she stated.

Johnson prompt he was blindsided by the assaults when requested at his weekly information convention on Tuesday.

“Properly, none of that’s true. I am unsure why Elise will not simply name me. I texted her yesterday. She’s upset. Considered one of her provisions, I believe, is not going to be included within the NDAA. I defined it to her in a textual content message – as quickly as I heard this yesterday, I used to be campaigning in Tennessee – and I wrote her, and I stated, what are you speaking about? This is not even as much as my stage,” Johnson stated.

“The best way the mainstream works is — and I believe she ought to know this, we’ll discuss it immediately, I am positive — the best way this works is that it has to undergo jurisdictional committees if it is added to the NDAA. And this provision that she’s engaged on, I believe, falls beneath the jurisdiction of the judiciary.”

Home Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., walks out to talk to reporters on the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 12, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Picture)

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Johnson stated there wanted to be an settlement between prime Republicans and Democrats on the jurisdiction committees in each the Home of Representatives and the Senate for a selected provision to be included within the NDAA.

“Properly, on this case – I discovered final night time that this wasn’t even on my radar – apparently that did not occur,” he stated.

“It does not imply it might’t change into legislation, and even that it is a ultimate resolution. However I texted my pal Elise final night time and I stated, ‘Can you discover out what the issue was, and I will assist you to resolve it?’ I help her provision. I imply, I might vote for it. I believe it is intelligent, and I am unsure why it wasn’t included. So I do not know why she’s pissed off with me. I actually had nothing to do with it. However I am completely satisfied to roll up my sleeves and assist her.”