WASHINGTON (AP) — Barely six months into the job, House Speaker Mike Johnson is already at risk of the same conservative revolt that took down his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. The House voted Saturday on legislation to fund Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, among other priorities. However, internal strife within the Republican party threatens to overshadow these important issues.
The U.S. House of Representatives made history by removing its speaker from office for the first time ever due to infighting and discord within the party. Now, the focus shifts to who will take over as the new speaker after McCarthy's ouster. Rep. Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative and ally of former President Donald Trump, was elected as the 56th speaker of the House in a close vote on Wednesday.
The House has been without a permanent speaker since October 3, creating uncertainty and instability within the chamber. As the process for electing a new speaker unfolds, all eyes are on the bespectacled and bow-tied Congressman McHenry from North Carolina, who currently serves as the speaker pro tempore.