Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) sharply criticized his Republican colleagues who did not vote yes on the $61 billion aid package last week, calling them “scumbags.” Gonzales’ comments came after more than 100 Republican members of the House voted against the package and some members increased pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for his support for the bill.
“Look, the House is a rough and rowdy place, but Mike Johnson is going to be just fine,” Gonzales said during a CNN interview. “I served 20 years in the military. It’s my absolute honor to be in Congress, but I serve with some real scumbags.”
The bill passed with 112 Republicans and zero Democrats voting against it.
Gonzales criticized Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who was also chided by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Gaetz is subject to an ethics investigation amid allegations of an affair with a minor, which Gonzales mentioned in the interview.
Gaetz then wrote on social media that Gonzales is “occasionally-Republican.”
“‘Unhinged Outburst’ is one of the final phases a politician goes through prior to defeat. The Texas Republican Party has rightly censured Tony for supporting gun control and amnesty,” wrote Gaetz.
Gaetz denies any wrongdoing in the investigation.
Gonzales said that Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) endorsed a “neo-Nazi” as a Republican primary challenger to himself.
“These people used to walk around with white hoods at night. Now they’re walking around with white hoods in the daytime,” he said.
An increasing number of House Republicans criticized Johnson, who is facing a motion to vacate from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
Furthermore, several other members of the House have signed onto Greene’s effort, including Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Massie wrote on social media that “Johnson is sharing the GOP Speakership with Democrats.”
Johnson is sharing the GOP Speakership with Democrats.
To bring Ukraine spending up for a vote, he made a deal with Democrats on the procedural vote.
Then he passed the bill today with every Democrat voting YEA and a majority of Republicans voting NAY.https://t.co/5d1QLOgmEy pic.twitter.com/hbN7voL9xL
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 20, 2024
“To bring Ukraine spending up for a vote, he made a deal with Democrats on the procedural vote,” Massie argued. “Then he passed the bill today with every Democrat voting YEA and a majority of Republicans voting NAY.”