GOP House Majority Hangs by a Thread

A series of sudden departures has left the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives at its smallest margin in modern times. The party now holds only a two-vote advantage. This leaves Speaker Mike Johnson with almost no room for error when passing legislation. The razor-thin margin complicates basic governing. Speaker Johnson must now navigate deep internal divisions. To pass any bill, he can afford to lose only a single Republican vote if all Democrats oppose it. The situation results from several unexpected vacancies. These include resignations and one expulsion. This fragile control of the chamber is expected to last at least until special elections are held later this year. Until then, every vote will be a high-stakes test of the Speaker's authority.