Johnson's Slim House Majority Struggles Amid Absences

On March 22nd, House Speaker Mike Johnson and his Republican team are grappling with a

razor-thin majority in the House, making even small absences A, big headache as the

2026 midterms loom closer. This past week, missboats pout up on routine measures,

with 43 lawmakers skipping a key rule vote on March 17th, including 22 Republicans and 21 Democrats,

and similar shortfalls on votes the next two days. Members on both sides stress the

knee for full attendance, with Johnson urging everyone to stay healthy and show up while

representative Dan. New House of Washington called it a top priority to get bills passed.

The slim edge with 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats, one independent and three vacancies,

means Johnson can afford. Just one Republican defection on party line votes. Pressure will only

grow as lawmakers head home for district work and push urgent items like renewing section 702

of the foreign intelligence. Surveillance Act before its April expiration, keeping the House on a

tightrope.