By Alicia Menendez and Evan Brechtel

This week, citing objections to foreign aid and government spending, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky announced he would back a motion to vacate the speakership, becoming the first Republican to join Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia's push to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The outcry comes after Johnson, R-La., released separate aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, which are expected to get floor votes Saturday. This aid would provide vital resources and assurances to our allies and help limit escalation in regions of conflict, but some House Republicans continue to insist Johnson's support for these bills is grounds for removal as speaker. As a result, he'll most likely be reliant on House Democrats to carry the bills across the finish line.

This is a preview of Alicia Menendez and Evan Brechtel's latest article. Read the full column here. For more thought-provoking insights from Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele and Symone Sanders-Townsend, watch "The Weekend" every Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. ET on MSNBC.

MORE STORIES

DANNY CEVALLOS

Why Trump's lawyers are likely not pleased with his courtroom behavior this week

The judge may rein in Trump's more extreme courtroom behavior. But the jury will notice. Read more.

CLARISSA-JAN LIM

MTG's 'space lasers' amendment to Johnson's Israel bill is a silly stunt

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a slew of unserious amendments to House Speaker Mike Johnson's aid package. Read more.

JACQUES BERLINERBLAU

Rep. Stefanik failed to rattle Columbia's president. But she exposed a new problem.

Republicans are using antisemitism hearings to carry out a sinister agenda. Read more.

MARISA KABAS

I'm Jewish American. Silencing a Muslim valedictorian's speech doesn't make me feel safer.

University of Southern California's decision to pull Asna Tabassum's speech should be a cautionary tale. Read more.

TOP VIDEOS

MORNING JOE

Israel launches strike inside Iran, source tells NBC News

WATCH NOW

KATIE PHANG

Day 3 of Trump's hush money trial in 60 seconds

WATCH NOW

JOSÉ DÍAZ-BALART

'Remarkable scene': Schiff lauds Trump facing justice in criminal trial

WATCH NOW

CHRIS JANSING REPORTS

Kennedy family members endorse President Biden over RFK Jr.

WATCH NOW

MORE FROM MSNBC

In the latest episode of "Prosecuting Donald Trump," MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the jury selection process as it kicks off in the former president's New York criminal trial. Plus, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro reads an excerpt of the indictment. Listen now.

In a special "Why Is This Happening?" podcast series called "WITHpod 2024: The Stakes," Chris Hayes talks to experts about Joe Biden and Donald Trump's presidential records on specific policy areas in the lead-up to November. This week, economist Kimberly Clausing joins to discuss the candidates' records on tax and economic policy. Listen now.

MSNBC INSIGHTS

Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.