House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Los AngelesHe has won popular support from Republicans in the Senate, where he faces an uncertain vote on Friday to determine whether he will retain his role in the new Congress.
Republican Senator John Kennedy said: “My friend (Johnson) has done a wonderful job in the House, and I am thrilled to have him at the helm there as Congress looks to grow our economy and protect our communities in the new year.” -No, on X.
Senators John Kennedy (left) and Bill Cassidy (right) threw their public support behind fellow Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson for speaker. (Reuters)
Johnson also had the support of another member of Lousiana's Senate delegation, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Los Angeles. “I agree with President Trump that (Johnson) is the right man to lead. He is a committed conservative and a man of integrity,” he wrote on X, referring to President-elect Donald Trump's recent endorsement.
During a last-minute government spending battle last month, most Republican senators were careful not to call for Johnson's replacement. However, that did not stop others, such as Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and… Mike Lee, Republican from Utahthan pointing out that someone else can do a better job.
Bernie Sanders plans to lead legislation on Trump's key proposal
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens as House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a news conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago property on April 12, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“Technically, under House rules, I don't think you have to be a member of the House to be speaker. Other people have talked about that,” Paul told reporters in December. He noted that he previously received stray votes to be party chairman, as Trump did.
“So, we'll leave it open to interpretation. I think, seriously, Elon Musk has impact.”
When asked about his confidence in Johnson, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, deflected, saying: “I can't make up my mind. I don't know him well. He has to work with everybody. He doesn't.” “You don't have to work with us.”
Since the Speaker of the House will be chosen only by the House, few Republican senators are expected to make their opinions public. But the fact that some have done so is remarkable in itself.
In order for a member to be elected President of the Council, he must obtain a majority of the votes cast. Depending on whether all House members are present, the number of seats open, and whether anyone chooses to vote “present,” thus lowering the majority threshold, Johnson could be in a position where he could only lose one GOP vote.
There are still several House members who said they were unsure whether to support Johnson.
Republicans attack Biden for reprieve federal death penalty before leaving office
Speaker Mike Johnson, left, and Rep. Thomas Massie (Getty)
In addition, at least one Republican representative declined, even after endorsing Trump.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson will affect his endorsement of House Speaker Paul Ryan,” Rep. Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, wrote on X. Johnson partners with Democrats in sending money to Ukraine, allowing spying on Americans, and blowing up the budget.
The vote on the Speaker of Parliament is scheduled to take place on Friday to begin the work of the new Congress.
