Johnson Will Soon Have a Single-Vote Majority—What Does This Mean for Congress?

WASHINGTON—After a string of retirements and an expulsion, House Republicans will soon hold the slimmest majority in modern history. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is leading a Republican conference that can only spare one defection in a party that has already dethroned its own speaker over internal divisions. Such a thin advantage gives Republicans little in the way of leverage in a government that’s otherwise completely controlled by Democrats—particularly as infighting and the threat of a new motion to vacate against Mr. Johnson hangs over all he does. Republicans began the 118th Congress with a 222–213 majority. Once Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) leaves on April 19, the new 217–213 balance means a bill needs 216 votes to pass with all members present....