Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) spent the year batting back an onslaught of inconveniences, criticisms, and straight-up rebellions by members of his own party — with the exception of one historically troublesome bloc.
There was renegade Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-Ky.) high-profile effort to release the Epstein files against President Donald Trump’s wishes. There were rank-and-file efforts to force floor votes. Plus, moderate Republicans agitated with Democrats for a health care subsidy extension that hasn’t panned out.
Through it all, the House Freedom Caucus provided a notable counterweight.
The hard-right group’s chairman stood side-by-side with the speaker during the government shutdown ...
