The Republican leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives held a press conference on Tuesday morning to celebrate their election victory and announced their readiness for President-elect Trump’s first day in office, dedicated to implementing Trump’s agenda.
In last week’s elections, the Republicans secured victories in both the House and the Senate, gaining a majority of seats and poised to have full control of Congress and the White House next year.
House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Louisiana, Majority Whip Tom Emmer from Minnesota, and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson from North Carolina were among the lawmakers present at the press conference.
Johnson declared on the steps of the Capitol building, “This is a beautiful morning and a brand new day for America.” The Republican leaders highlighted their primary focus for the start of the new congressional session in January: cooperating with Trump to reduce government spending, ensure border security, and showcase strength on the world stage.
Scalise stated, “Last week, the American people sent a message to Washington that they want the government to address the issues affecting families nationwide for the past three and a half years.”
Johnson emphasized that they are now better equipped than in 2016 when Trump won, as the Republicans also controlled both the White House and Congress at that time. He expressed readiness to assume power in the 119th Congress and demonstrate their capabilities.
When asked about Trump’s commitment to abolishing the Department of Education, Johnson mentioned that they were not prepared to discuss detailed plans for reforming specific departments or agencies yet.
Reports indicated that Senator Marco Rubio is being considered by Trump for Secretary of State; Representative Elise Stefanik from New York was nominated as Ambassador to the United Nations; and Representative Mike Waltz from Florida was requested to serve as National Security Advisor.
Regarding concerns that Trump’s appointees might weaken the Republican majority in the House and Senate, Johnson predicted that fewer lawmakers would leave Congress to join Trump’s team, emphasizing the significance of each vote in the new Congress.
Johnson added, “President Trump and I have discussed this issue multiple times every day in the past few days. We have a plethora of talent in the Republican Congress, many of whom can assume key positions in the new administration. President Trump fully understands and values the mathematical issue here, he values this numbers game.”
Johnson confirmed plans to spend the weekend with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss Trump’s cabinet and the upcoming House agenda.
The Speaker mentioned Trump’s interest in meeting with President Biden in Washington on Wednesday and visiting Capitol Hill to engage with Republican lawmakers.
Johnson noted, “It will be a great event and moment for all of us, filled with excitement and vigor; President Trump is going all in for re-election, and we are very grateful to him!”
Regarding the Senate leadership elections, the Speaker declined to endorse any candidate, stating that all candidates were his “favorites.”
Senate Republicans are scheduled to vote on Wednesday, with contenders being Senators John Thune from South Dakota, John Cornyn from Texas, and Rick Scott from Florida.
Trump has not yet expressed support for any candidate but has requested that whoever wins should support appointments to fill federal government vacancies during the recess.
The House is currently weighing whether to complete legislators’ annual appropriations work before the December 20 deadline or postpone it to next year when President-elect Trump will be inaugurated.
(This article draws on reports from “The Hill” and ABC.)