Rep. Elise Stefanik attacked Speaker Mike Johnson on X with accusations the House GOP leader called "false." (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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The confrontation first began on Monday evening, when Stefanik posted on X, "Republicans have the House, Senate, and the White House, yet the deep state is alive and well with the Speaker getting rolled by House Dems attempting to block my provision to require Congressional disclosure when the FBI opens counterintelligence investigations into presidential and federal candidates seeking office."
She pointed to ex-FBI Director James Comey's 2017 testimony when Stefanik said he "admitted to not following proper notification procedures" when opening the investigation into whether the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russia.
The legislation is all the more important now, Stefanik added, with revelations that ex-Special Counsel Jack Smith seized phone records of some Republican lawmakers without their knowledge during his own probe of President Donald Trump.
Stefanik said she would vote against the annual defense bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), if the provision was not included.
The NDAA is responsible for setting national security and defense policies for the federal government every year. A concurring defense spending bill funds those policies.
Stefanik's threat is particularly notable coming from a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where the NDAA originates.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., walks from the chamber to speak with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 12, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)
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Johnson said there had to be an agreement between the top Republican and Democrat on the committees of jurisdiction in both the House and Senate for a specific provision to make it into the NDAA.
"Well, in this case — I found out last night, this wasn't even on my radar — that apparently didn't happen," he said.
"It doesn't mean it can't become law or even that that is a final decision. But I sent my friend Elise a text last night and I said, 'Can you find out what the issue was, and I'll help you resolve it?' I support her provision. I mean, I would vote for it. I think it's smart, and I'm not sure exactly why it wasn't included. So I don't know why she's frustrated with me. I literally had nothing to do with it. But I'm happy to roll up my sleeves and help her."
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/stefanik-accuses-johnson-siding-with-democrats-explosive-house-gop-leadership-rift