Allies of Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana are encouraging former President Trump to show his support for the House GOP leader. They believe this will help avoid a lengthy conflict that could slow down the certification of Trump’s recent election victory.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Republican from Florida, emphasized the urgency, saying, “If we can’t elect a speaker, we can’t get sworn in, and if we’re not sworn in, we can’t certify the election.” He expressed hope that Trump would reach out to hesitant Republicans to promote unity and swift action.
Similarly, Rep. Pat Fallon from Texas commented that Trump’s endorsement would be very beneficial. He suggested that a public statement from the former president, especially if it coincided with an invitation for Johnson to visit Mar-a-Lago, could significantly strengthen their position.
As House members prepare for an important vote on January 3 to elect a new speaker, they face a tight timeline with another crucial meeting to certify the 2024 election just a few days later. Johnson is in a challenging position to secure the speaker’s position for the full term, especially as some within the party are openly critical of his previous actions regarding government funding.
Johnson’s predecessor faced a tumultuous path to the speakership, requiring 15 rounds of voting amidst significant opposition. This history has made some members wary of potential delays, particularly as Trump is eager for an active start to his second term.
Rep. Claudia Tenney from New York alerted that without a speaker, the House cannot properly certify the election results, possibly hindering the launch of Trump’s agenda. Notably, Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown recently by extending the federal funding deadline.
While some Republican members have expressed dissatisfaction with Johnson’s handling of government funding and other issues, he still has prominent defenders. For instance, Senator Ted Cruz highlighted Johnson’s conservative stance and warned that removing him could lead to a more liberal speaker.
Ultimately, Trump’s influence is anticipated to be a major factor in Johnson’s fate. Several House Republicans have indicated that their decisions may hinge on whether Trump chooses to support Johnson moving forward. Johnson will face the speaker vote with a slim GOP majority, making the situation precarious as he seeks to align his leadership with the expectations of both Trump and his fellow Republicans.
