Mike Johnson’s speakership to be put to another test in 1st vote of new Congress

House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a challenging battle to retain his position on Friday, despite receiving an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Johnson’s speakership is in jeopardy following a series of moves to fund the government that has angered conservatives due to the lack of spending cuts.

As the 119th Congress convenes, the House will vote on a measure to elect a new speaker, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown on the House floor. For the first time, C-SPAN cameras will be allowed inside the chamber to capture the unfolding drama.

In order to secure his position, Johnson can only afford one Republican defection. Rep. Thomas Massie has already declared that he will not support Johnson, further complicating the speaker’s chances of retaining his gavel. Despite Trump’s endorsement, other Republicans have remained undecided or expressed concerns about Johnson’s leadership.

“I’m going to talk to Mike and raise my concerns. As of right now, I’m still undecided,” said Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee.

The uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s speakership raises questions about the impact on the incoming president, as Congress has never certified a presidential election without a speaker in place. Trump’s backing of Johnson will be put to the test during the speaker vote, which will determine the direction of the new Congress.

While Johnson remains confident in his ability to secure enough votes, some GOP members have voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of communication and planning in recent legislative efforts. Rep. Chip Roy expressed the need for change and better coordination to avoid last-minute crises like the one before Christmas.

In an effort to shore up support, Johnson met with potential holdouts in his office, including Reps. Victoria Spartz, Chip Roy, Ralph Norman, and others. Despite facing challenges in passing critical legislation to avert a government shutdown, Johnson is determined to deliver on the America-first agenda with the unified government in place.

As the speaker battle intensifies, Johnson’s allies are urging Trump to intervene and ensure a smooth transition for the new Congress. With around a dozen House Republicans still undecided on their support for Johnson, the outcome of the speaker vote remains uncertain.

In a show of support, Trump reiterated his endorsement of Johnson, praising him as a hardworking and religious man who will continue to lead the country to victory. Johnson previously survived a test to his speakership in May, but this time, Democrats are unlikely to come to his rescue.

The upcoming speaker vote will be a pivotal moment for Johnson as he faces challenges from within his own party. The outcome of the vote will not only determine the future of the speakership but also set the tone for the new Congress under the Biden administration.