US house of representative elected its new speaker

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marking the end of three weeks of political uncertainty in the United States.

Key Points:

Significance of the Speaker Role:

• • The Speaker of the House of Representatives is one of the most powerful political positions in the country.
  • It’s the third-highest in the line of succession after the U.S. President.

Election and Majority:

• • Mike Johnson won the election by a vote of 220 to 209 in a divided Congress.
  • The Republican Party holds a slim majority in the House with 221 seats compared to the Democrats’ 212.

Mike Johnson’s Background:

• • Mike Johnson, a 51-year-old lawyer, is a four-term Congressman from Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District.

First Legislative Agenda:

• • In his first address to Congress, Speaker Johnson pledged to introduce a resolution in support of Israel.
  • He condemned the recent terrorist attack by Hamas and stated his commitment to stand by Israel.

Government Shutdown and Funding Request:

• • A key challenge for Speaker Johnson is to avoid a government shutdown.
  • President Joe Biden has requested $100 billion for funding the war efforts in Israel and Ukraine.

Short-Term Funding Measure:

• • Speaker Johnson plans to propose a short-term measure to fund the government through January 15 or April 15.

Support from Donald Trump:

• • Former President Donald Trump supported Mike Johnson’s candidacy for Speaker of the House.
  • Trump expressed confidence that Johnson would be a great Speaker.

Immediate Focus on American People’s Business:

• • Speaker Johnson emphasized the urgency of addressing important issues.
  • He pledged to deliver strength, perseverance, and hope to the American people and indicated an aggressive legislative schedule.

Biden’s Reaction:

• • President Joe Biden congratulated Speaker Johnson and expressed his willingness to work together.

Calls for Bipartisanship:

• • Biden highlighted the need for mutual efforts to find common ground on pressing issues despite disagreements.