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President of the Republican House Mike Johnson preparing for what might be a tough battle today as he wants Hold on to the hammer like 119 Congress begins.
Despite having the full support of the newly elected president Donald Trumpthe Louisiana representative can only afford one Republican revolt against his re-election bid when House members cast their votes, so tight is the GOP’s 219-211 majority over Democrats.
a congressman, Thomas Massiehe had already emphasized his objections to Johnson, saying One America News The Matt Gaetz Show that they will not support the current president.
“You can pull out all my nails, you can stick bamboo in them, you can start cutting my fingers,” Masi said.
“I’m not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow.”
Several of his colleagues also said Johnson was unconvincing or that he would demand major concessions in exchange for his support. The speaker released a statement committing to some of the spending freezes.
Number alternative candidates were considered in case Johnson failed, from a plausible similar Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan to the most imaginative in the case Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Johnson vows to calm gridlock ahead of keynote speaker vote
Speaker Mike Johnson released the following statement on X ahead of the speaker’s key vote, including a commitment to spending cuts, an overhaul of federal agencies and aggressive appropriations reviews.
Here is what he wrote in full:
The American people demanded an end to the status quo and a return to fiscal health. This is why the citizens of our great country gave President Trump the White House and Republicans control of both houses of Congress. If we do not fulfill our campaign promise of fiscal responsibility, we do not deserve to be in power. The national debt is a serious threat to America’s economic and national security – and no issue exemplifies the failure of Congress more.
Republicans have a real opportunity in the next two years to enact meaningful spending reforms to eliminate trillions in waste, fraud and abuse, and end the weaponization of government. While advancing President Trump’s agenda, I will lead House Republicans to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, hold the bureaucracy accountable, and move the United States on a more sustainable fiscal path.
1. Create a task force composed of independent experts – uncorrupted by lobbyists and special interests – to work with DOGE and our committees to implement recommended government and spending reforms to protect the American taxpayer.
2. Charge that task force with reviewing existing audits of federal agencies and entities created by Congress – and issue a report to my office for public disclosure.
3. Request that House committees undertake aggressive reviews of appropriations and appropriations, including providing additional resources where necessary, to expose irresponsible or illegal practices and hold accountable agencies/individuals who have set the government against the American people.
If we want to restore fiscal responsibility, we must start by being transparent about the dollars spent, addressing the problems we uncover, and then holding accountable those who misspent the funds. Republicans have a mandate to implement the Agenda first, and as President, that will be my priority.
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 17:25
Pelosi returns to chamber after hip replacement
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 17:10
Possible Detention Rep. Chip Roy was seen on the phone in the back of the chamber
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 17:07
As Johnson faces a critical vote in the House for speaker, here’s how the election process works
Gustaf Kilander breaks down what you need to know before voting today:
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 16:59
Watch: Johnson says ‘we’re going to do it’, Trump talks to members
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 16:56
Sarah McBride is making history today as the first transgender member of Congress
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 16:55
The scene in the house…
The Independent‘s Eric Garcia covers the events live from the House Gallery.
He notes that Reps. Chip Roy and Thomas Massie are holding court in the back of the House.
Lawmakers take photos with Speaker Mike Johnson.
There’s a standing ovation for Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi as she returns to the floor after a hip replacement over the holidays.
Speaker Johnson speaks with Chaplain Margaret Kibben.
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 16:52
Speaker’s math — a refresher on what could happen in today’s votes
Gabe Fleisher by Wake up to politics lays out possible scenarios that could unfold when the House begins voting on Speaker Mike Johnson today.
Oliver O’Connell3 January 2025 16:50
Massie predicts Johnson will keep trying until Trump tells him to back off
Rep. Thomas Massie says he believes there’s a 70 percent chance Speaker Mike Johnson will secure the gavel.
“If one more person joins me, I think it’s going to encourage a half dozen more, I think he’s losing more votes in the runoff, he’s losing more votes in the third round, President Trump is inviting him.”
He added: “I think Mike will keep trying until Trump tells him to back off.”
Oliver O’ConnellJanuary 3, 2025 4:45 p.m