Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was elected as the 56th speaker of the House in a party-line vote, with all 220 Republicans voting for him. Johnson is a close ally of former President Donald Trump and had led many of the 2020 election challenges, including an amicus brief signed by more than 100 House Republicans. Johnson is the most ideologically conservative speaker since Newt Gingrich in the 1990s and is now second in line to the presidency.
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Desus Nice of "The Daily Show" recently joked about the GOP's failed attempt to nominate Tom Emmer as House Speaker, as he was unable to secure the near-unanimous support needed to win the gavel. The party has now nominated Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as their new nominee, but it is still uncertain if he can gain the necessary 217 Republican votes.
Democrats are urging Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) not to launch a primary bid against President Joe Biden in 2024, as it could weaken the Democratic Party's chances of winning the election. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are attempting to unite the divided factions of the House Republican Conference, seen as a sign of desperation. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said that the focus should remain on defeating Trump in the next election and Phillips should not be a distraction from that goal.
Yesterday, Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer was selected as the Republican nominee for Speaker of the House, marking a significant shift in the party's direction. However, hours after receiving the nomination, Emmer dropped out of consideration for House Speaker. The decision to select Emmer as the GOP nominee is seen as a sign that the party is looking to move away from the more extreme positions it has taken in recent years and to regain its footing in the wake of McCarthy's removal.
Since the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House, the Republican conference has been in chaos as they search for a replacement. At least eight candidates are vying for the position, with Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota the latest to earn the nod and attempt to secure the 217 votes needed to win the gavel.
Washington State Senator Jeff Wilson was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday night for possession of an unregistered firearm. Wilson, a Republican from Longview, was traveling with his wife for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia when he reported the unloaded gun to customs officials. His office has not commented on the incident beyond a statement released on Monday, and it is unclear if Wilson will face any further charges or penalties. The incident has raised questions about the security measures at the Portland, Oregon airport, and sparked debate among Washington state residents.
Hamas released two hostages, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, for "compelling humanitarian" reasons, bringing joy to their families but leaving over 200 people still held captive. Donald Trump has filed motions in the Jan. 6 case against him, while seven people have died in a Louisiana highway crash and House Republicans are narrowing down speaker candidates.
House Republicans are attempting to move past the divisions that have marked their search for a new House Speaker, and will meet on Tuesday to narrow the field of eight candidates to one. The chosen candidate must secure at least 217 votes in order to win, and the outcome of Tuesday's meeting will determine whether the GOP can set aside their differences and move forward.