Gaetz supports Johnson amid House’s rush to restore order after McCarthy’s dismissal.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Supports Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker-Designate
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is fully behind the House Republican Conference’s decision to select Rep. Mike Johnson (R-WI) as its fourth speaker-designate. This comes as the lower chamber aims to recover from the chaos that ensued after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was removed as speaker.
Gaetz took the lead in motioning to vacate McCarthy in early October and, with the support of seven fellow GOP members, successfully ousted the California Republican on Oct. 3. As the House entered its 22nd day without a speaker, Gaetz once again expressed his support for McCarthy’s potential replacement, commending Johnson for having an agenda that aligns with his own.
SPEAKER HOUSE VOTE TODAY LIVE: REPUBLICAN MIKE JOHNSON SEEKS TO WIN FLOOR BALLOT AFTER SECURING GOP NOMINATION
“He talks about single-subject spending bills being the organizing principle in the House of Representatives. That is what I’ve been fighting for since January,” Gaetz stated on Tuesday, referring to Johnson. “It is the reason Kevin McCarthy was vacated, and despite the swamp’s best efforts, we got a good, godly man who’s going to advance Republicans.”
Gaetz initiated the motion to vacate after accusing McCarthy of striking a “back deal” with Democrats to pass a temporary government funding resolution, which he claimed violated the speakership agreement made in January.
On Tuesday, Johnson released a heartfelt letter outlining his plans as speaker, including the discharge of appropriations bills and the possibility of passing another stopgap measure to fund the government until January or April, if necessary.
The speaker-designate expressed his gratitude for the support of his colleagues and his commitment to exhibit ”servant leadership” in Congress.
“We’re going to serve the people of this country. We’re going to restore their faith in this Congress, in this institution of government,” Johnson affirmed.
Johnson is the fourth speaker-designate nominated by the House GOP following the motion to vacate McCarthy, which brought the House to a standstill. Gaetz has shown his support for all three previous nominees as well. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) all withdrew from the race when it became clear they would not secure the necessary 217 votes to become speaker.
On Tuesday, Gaetz further intensified tensions with McCarthy allies by stating that McCarthy had “scuttled” the first three nominees but failed to prevent Johnson’s nomination.
“McCarthy scuttled Scalise, he ultimately scuttled Jordan, he ultimately scuttled Emmer, and at the end of the day, the universal appeal of Mike Johnson was too strong for him to oppose,” Gaetz revealed.
Gaetz claimed that McCarthy objected to a unanimous consent request for Johnson because “he hadn’t figured out a way to sabotage Mike Johnson.”
“Mike is the right guy. He’s an inspirational leader. I’m so excited to go elect him speaker of the House,” Gaetz enthusiastically declared.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
What does Rep. Johnson’s nomination as speaker-designate signify for the unity and direction of the Republican Party?
L” with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling, without any spending cuts or conservative priorities. Gaetz argued that this move by McCarthy went against the principles of fiscal conservatism that Republicans espouse.
Rep. Johnson, who currently serves as the chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, has been a vocal advocate for conservative principles throughout his time in Congress. He has consistently pushed for limited government, lower taxes, and a balanced budget. His support for single-subject spending bills aligns with Gaetz’s goal of promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability in the House.
In a statement released after the announcement of his nomination, Rep. Johnson expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from his colleagues. He emphasized the need for unity within the Republican Party and a renewed focus on advancing conservative policies.
“I am honored to be chosen as the speaker-designate and I want to thank Rep. Gaetz and the entire Republican Conference for their confidence in me,” Johnson said. “We need to come together as a party and present a unified front as we work to advance our agenda and serve the American people.”
The House Republican Conference will vote on Johnson’s nomination in a floor ballot later today. If elected as the speaker-designate, Johnson will be tasked with leading the Republican Party’s agenda in the House and working to regain control of the chamber in the upcoming midterm elections.
This show of support from Rep. Matt Gaetz is significant, as he has gained prominence within the Republican Party for his fiery speeches and unwavering conservative stances. Gaetz’s endorsement of Johnson signals a unified front among conservative Republicans, who are determined to push for their policy priorities and hold the current Democratic majority accountable.
With the chaos surrounding the speakership now in the past, House Republicans can focus their attention on regaining control of the lower chamber and advancing conservative policies. The selection of Rep. Mike Johnson as speaker-designate represents a step towards unity and a renewed commitment to principles that resonate with the Republican base.
As the House gears up for a pivotal period of legislative battles, it remains to be seen how effective Rep. Mike Johnson will be in leading the Republican Party’s agenda. However, with the backing of Rep. Matt Gaetz and other conservative lawmakers, Johnson has a strong foundation of support to build upon.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
