‘First Priority’ of the new GOP Speaker Mike Johnson

On October 3, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to oust Representative Kevin McCarthy (R) from his position as Speaker.

A fierce competition for a permanent replacement was sparked by the historic removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the speakership.

Following two weeks of disagreements and chaos, they chose to designate Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) as speaker pro tempore until the House chose Mike Johnson (R) to be Speaker.

According to the new chamber leader, the Republican-controlled House may need to pass another short-term funding bill to keep the government operating as the previous continuing resolution’s deadline draws near.

On Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated, “Our first priority is to get the government funded,” he added, “Our team is ready and working like a well-oiled machine.”

Further reporting by Newsmax revealed that Johnson stated that an energy and water appropriations measure was passed last week, one day after he took the gavel.

He further stated that “we’re moving as quickly as possible and trying to beat the deadline” of November 17, when the current funding bill expires.

House Republicans are concentrating on cutting expenditures as they are “haunted by the federal debt, $33.6 trillion… we have to keep that in mind always.”

Along with reducing spending and stepping up accountability, they also seek to diminish “the woke and weaponized federal government.”

He stated, “All of that comes into the equation of the debate, whatever the topline number is.” he continued, “We worked hard to come in beneath it, and you will see that happening over the coming days.”

The Speaker indicated that he preferred a deadline of January 15 when asked how long he would support a temporary funding gap.

He stated, “Oftentimes, the Senate tries to jam the House and nominate an omnibus bill,” while continuing, “We’re not doing that. We have single-subject bills and our separate appropriations bill. Pushing that into January, I think, would assist us in the endeavour.”

When asked about the future of the rule that allows one House Republican to move to take the Speaker’s chair, which was used to remove McCarthy (R-Calif.) as Speaker, Johnson responded, “Everyone has told me the rule has to change. ”

He told Fox News, “I’m not afraid of it because I’m going to openly work [on] transparency with every member, and everyone will fully understand what we’re doing and why that’s a big part of it,”

Johnson stated, “We will have some discussions about that, but it’s not my highest priority” because the rule makes it “difficult for any speaker” to perform the job.

He added, “I said in my speech when I took the oath [I want] to decentralize the power. I want to empower our chairman, the committees of jurisdiction, and all of the talented people in the House, make them more of a part of the big decisions and situations in the process and ensure regular order. If we do that, we don’t have to worry about a motion to vacate.”