Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday the House GOP could vote to authorize the impeachment probe of President Biden this week — as he schmoozed with well-heeled donors at two ritzy Manhattan events, The Post has learned.
During the fundraising events, Johnson hauled in more than $1 million to help New York Republicans maintain and grow the GOP majority in 2024 congressional races, according to sources.
He was accompanied by House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, who helped organize the events.
Johnson first spoke at a luncheon at the Empire Steakhouse in Midtown East, attended by WABC radio owner John Catsimatidis.
Stephen Schwarzman, chairman of the investment house Blackstone, was also listed as a host.
The second event was held at the Upper East Side home of Haim Chera, head of Vornado Realty whose dad was a close pal of former President Donald Trump. It was co-hosted by real estate mogul Harry Adjmi and former Long Island Rep. and GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin.
The asking price was up to $50,000 to $100,000 for “hosts” of the two events.
An individual donor could contribute up to $373,4000 to the joint Grow Majority NY fundraising account that will help re-elect the state’s House GOP delegation.
Johnson (R-Louisiana) said the House was “moving forward on the impeachment inquiry imminently – potentially this week,” an attendee at the first event said.
But much of the focus was on raising dollars to keep the GOP in control of the House.
Johnson emphasized his commitment to the Empire State and said he will become “an honorary New Yorker” this election cycle.
He said his Italian-American mother and his firefighter father made him feel right at home in the city and Long Island, according to an attendee.
“New York will decide the House Majority in 2024 and thanks to Speaker Johnson’s strong leadership we will be victorious,” Stefanik told The Post.
New York’s House Republican members were in attendance.
“Thank you to Speaker Johnson and Chairwoman Stefanik for prioritizing New York and ensuring we have the funding necessary to protect our seats and grow our Majority. Because of their leadership, Republicans are poised to have a strong 2024,” said Rep. Michael Lawyer, who represents the 17th Congressional District that includes Rockland County and the lower Hudson Valley.
Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was also among the attendees.
“At an event for @SpeakerJohnson with a true fighter for conservative values and star of our party
@EliseStefanik,” Vernikov said, posting a photo of her with Stefanik.
Johnson also visited Lawler’s district on Sunday as well as the districts of Reps. Anthony D’Esposito and Nick La Lota on Long Island Saturday.
Some Republicans had privately expressed concerns about Johnson’s fundraising abilities. Ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) was regarded as a fundraising dynamo.
