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The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Thankfully, it was a mistake that House Republicans avoided by selecting Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson as speaker on Friday for the 119th Congress.
After the first two holders changed their votes, the first vote also got the job done. In doing so, House Republicans avoided a repeat of the scene two years ago, when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy took four days and 15 votes to win the gavel. He was ousted less than a year later, in a parliamentary procedure known as a “motion to stand down,” in which he sought concessions with fellow mob agitators who were agitating over Johnson's fate. It was something I was forced to do. week.
There are important lessons to be gleaned from the past that apply not only today, but also to our next two years of governance and beyond.
After Trump's 11th-hour call, Republican rebels switch votes to Johnson, pushing him over the finish line
First, you can't replace anyone. Despite questions swirling about Johnson's fate and future, no serious alternatives materialized. In fact, the first three Republicans to defect from Johnson in the first round were Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Byron Donald (R-Florida), and Tom Emmer (R-Fla.). They each voted for the Republican Party and Min. Each of these three men had their names considered as speakers within the past two years. Each fell short.
This time, there was no evidence or reason that each candidate was any more likely. Each vote was a protest vote, not a serious alternative course of action.
Mike Johnson reelected as House speaker as threat of Republican insurrection dissipates
Second, unlike in 2023, President-elect Donald Trump weighed his support for Johnson ahead of Friday's vote. It took Mr. Trump three defeats before he endorsed Mr. McCarthy. After endorsing Johnson earlier this week, Trump reaffirmed his support Just before voting on Friday.
Third, and most importantly, Republicans are seeking control of all three branches of government. If Republicans are to get serious about fulfilling their campaign promises, they need a functioning House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is essential for starting the legislative process and being able to sign legislation that outlasts any president's term. As the outgoing Biden administration will learn on January 20, governing by executive order makes it easier for the incoming administration to quickly roll back efforts.
Passing the bill in the House is already becoming a thin tightrope, with the narrowest margin in nearly 100 years. Mr. Trump has not yet taken office, but time has already passed.
When the next president is sworn in on January 20th, it will be time to take action, not more posturing.
When the next president is sworn in on January 20th, it will be time to take action, not more posturing. Historically, a second term has not been kind to presidents, who are prohibited from re-election by the Constitution. The first year will be critical to enacting fundamental changes before the next election season begins anew.
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The president-elect, who received more than 77 million votes last November, is entitled to a chair of his choice. In a phone call to two of the original holdouts, the president-elect reportedly said, “This chairman's vote will go to a second and third vote because he voted in a historic presidential election.'' It's disrespectful to Americans,” he said. President Trump ended the call by saying, “Folks, we have a lot of work to do. Let's get to work.”
Republicans are once again trying to take control of the White House, making the House more than just an opposition party focused on blocking bad ideas. Now they can focus on passing on the good stuff.
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The House will need to function to pass legislation extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts, take a tougher stance on border issues, and unleash America's energy grip after four years of extreme Biden green policies. Finally, seriously addressing out-of-control federal spending and restoring common sense will only be possible with a united Republican caucus.
It's still early days, and with a two-seat majority, House Speaker Johnson has his work cut out for him. Friday not only showed a positive step in the right direction, but also the ability to learn from the past.
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