"More lies from the speaker": Top Republicans erupt in rare public feud

Representative Elise Stefanik is publicly clashing with House Speaker Mike Johnson over a provision she proposed for the National Defense Authorization Act. Stefanik’s provision would require the FBI to notify Congress about counterintelligence investigations into federal candidates. She believes this is necessary to prevent politically motivated probes, citing the Russia investigation and investigations into former President Trump. Stefanik contends that Johnson allowed Democrats, specifically Representative Jamie Raskin, to remove her provision from the bill. She has publicly accused Johnson of siding with Democrats against Trump Republicans. Johnson, however, denies these claims, stating Stefanik’s allegations are false and that the issue was not on his radar until she went public. He claims the provision was removed due to a lack of agreement among committee leaders in both chambers, not by his direct action. A House GOP staffer reportedly contradicted Johnson's account, suggesting he ultimately pulled the provision himself. Johnson stated he supports the provision and offered to discuss it with Stefanik. Stefanik has threatened to oppose the NDAA if her provision is not reinstated, which could imperil the must-pass legislation for House Republicans. This dispute highlights ongoing tension between Stefanik and Johnson, stemming from past disagreements regarding her potential nomination to UN ambassador.