Speaker Johnson's Critique of Massie: A Longstanding Rivalry? The rift between US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Representative Thomas Massie has been a thorn in many politicians' sides for years.
For McCarthy, however, it's personal. In a recent public statement, the speaker described Massie as "a thorn in my side for a long time.
" This comment follows a contentious floor vote on a massive spending bill, where Massie joined a small group of representatives in opposing key provisions.