After 22 days without an official leader, the Republican-led US House of Representatives came together on Wednesday and named Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as the 56th House Speaker.
Politics :
Weeks of chaos and infighting between varying factions of the GOP ended the speakership of Rep. Kevin McCarthy and began a period of national embarrassment. In all, Republicans cycled through Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota before finally settling on Mike Johnson.
Interestingly, very little is known about the newly sworn-in Speaker Mike Johnson, since he has no real national profile or reputation. What we do know is that he is a far-right politician, and is a religious conservative opposed to abortion rights, homosexuality, and gay marriage. He also played a key role in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election on behalf of Donald Trump.
He’s charismatic, quiet, and not a “beat-you-over-your-head” type of conservative. Aside from that, the 51-year-old Johnson has never held a position of leadership on this level, did not take the usual route to lead the lower chamber of Congress, and is a huge question mark as to whether he will succeed in his new post or be forced out in a few months just like McCarthy.
“We’re going to dispense with all the usual ceremonies and celebrations that traditionally follow a new speakership because we have no time for either one,” Speaker Johnson said after the vote. “The American people’s business is too urgent in this moment. The hour is late. The crisis is great.”
In a statement, President Biden congratulated Speaker Johnson and said the 2 men desperately need to “move swiftly to address our national security needs and to avoid a shutdown in 22 days.” He added: “Even though we have real disagreements about important issues, there should be mutual effort to find common ground wherever we can.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said he’s glad to see Republicans find a new speaker so that both the House and Senate can focus on the impending mid-November government shutdown.
“I look forward to meeting with Speaker Johnson soon to discuss the path forward to avoid a government shutdown.” He added: “When I meet with him, I will convey that bipartisanship is the only way we can deliver results for the American people. The only way to avoid a government shutdown, pass critical supplemental funding, and deliver common-sense investments to the American people is bipartisanship.”
OK WASSUP! discusses Politics:
Rep. Mike Johnson becomes House Speaker.
Someone described this joker as “Jim Jordan in drag.”(he wears a suit and tie)
He’s a MAGAT, it won’t take too long for him to show his true intentions.