Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said in a speech shortly after securing the gavel that securing the border is the “top priority” of the 119th Congress.
After ultimately winning the speakership on the first vote, Johnson laid out his vision in the House of Commons, making it clear that securing the border was a top priority for the Republican-led House.
“Open borders and overregulation have destroyed our cities and stifled innovation,” Johnson said. “Inflation and weak leadership are making Americans even poorer and leaving our country in a dangerous position. As a result of recent political movements, “Americans of every state, race, and religion are rapidly increasing, and they are now demanding that we: Put the interests of Americans first again. ”
“And so will we,” he vowed.
“This is a powerful new coalition for our country. It's a coalition that insists on purging American policy for the last time and burying it in the grave of history's mistakes, because it was a big mistake,” he said. . “To that end, this Congress must abandon the status quo and listen to the voice of the people.”
“We're going to act quickly and start by securing our borders. That's our top priority,” he said, to applause and cheers.
“Working with President Trump, this Congress will provide border and immigration officials with the resources they need to do their jobs. We will secure our borders. We will protect dangerous and criminal We will deport illegal aliens and finally finish building the border wall,” he continued, adding a message to minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
“You said you would work with us, Hakeem,” Johnson added. “I'm looking forward to it.”
President-elect Donald Trump congratulated Johnson, who he supported, after winning the gavel with 218 votes.
“Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson on receiving an unprecedented vote of confidence in Congress. Mike will be a great Speaker and our country will benefit from it,” President Trump said.
“The American people have waited four years for common sense, strength and leadership,” he continued. “They'll figure it out right now, and America will be greater than ever!”
