Federal and State officials are reacting positively about the election of Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson (R-Shreveport) being elected as 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Johnson received multiple standing ovations from his colleagues Wednesday before securing the speakership. The final vote was 220-209, with Democrats supporting Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after voting for Johnson (R-LA).
“Our country is at a critical juncture, and Mike Johnson is the right man to unify and lead our Republican Majority. He’s been a Brother to me since we came to Congress in 2017. We have stood shoulder to shoulder, battling for conservative principles and working to advance Louisiana’s interests. He is a true and dedicated Patriot who will lead our Republican Conference with strength, intellect, and determination.
“With Speaker Mike Johnson, we can now resume our efforts to significantly reduce our nation’s debt, combat inflation, secure our southern border, continue our impeachment investigations, and affirm the United States’ support for Israel.”
KQKI News Correspondent Brady Borel spoke with Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry Dr. Mike Strain and District 21 State Senator Bret Allain shortly after the news broke regarding Johnson being elected as speaker. Strain was the guest speaker during Wednesday’s St. Mary Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon. Both Strain and Allain have worked with Johnson and said him becoming speaker will have a positive impact on Louisiana.
Johnson pitched Republicans on an aggressive legislative agenda over the next few weeks. Under his leadership, the House will face a looming partial government shutdown deadline in the middle of November as well as ongoing calls to fund Ukraine and Israel in their respective wars.
“We must govern well and expand our majority next year,” Johnson said in a letter to his fellow Republicans over the weekend, asking for support in the speakership race.
President Joe Biden called on Congress last week for more than $100 billion to that end, as well as funding for Taiwan, the immigration issue and other priorities.