Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) has made three promises to his Republican colleagues to obtain their support for his reelection as the leader of the House.
Unlike a typical speaker race, Johnson’s promises do not include any deals about committee appointments or House rule changes. Instead, he focused on issues that some Republican colleagues had with his previous leadership decisions.
For example, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) has called on Johnson to “create an emergency fiscal working group & engage professionals.”
We must create an emergency fiscal working group & engage professionals, @SpeakerJohnson!
George Washington – Farewell Address:
“As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit.”“No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular… pic.twitter.com/kfJL87GJUH
— Rep. Victoria Spartz (@RepSpartz) December 30, 2024
Also, Spartz and many other Republican lawmakers who are allies of President-elect Donald Trump have demanded that Johnson commit to the MAGA agenda in order to keep the speakership.
Rep. Spartz On Speaker Vote: If Mike Johnson Does Not Commit To Delivering The MAGA Agenda I Will Not Vote For Him @RepSpartz pic.twitter.com/FmUmqhxrps
— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) December 31, 2024
While Johnson’s promises aren’t necessarily a direct vow to uphold Trump’s agenda, they are focused on the same fiscal responsibility that Trump and his allies have called for.
The House Speaker laid out these promises in a post on X.
“1. Create a working group comprised of independent experts – not corrupted by lobbyists and special interests – to work with DOGE and our committees on implementing recommended government and spending reforms to protect the American taxpayer,” Johnson wrote.
“2. Task that working group with reviewing existing audits of federal agencies and entities created by Congress – and issuing a report to my office for public release,” he continued.
“3. Request House committees undertake aggressive authorizations and appropriations reviews, including providing additional resources where needed, to expose irresponsible or illegal practices and hold agencies/individuals accountable that have weaponized government against the American people,” Johnson added.
The American people have demanded an end to the status quo, and a return to fiscal sanity. That’s why the citizens of our great country gave President Trump the White House and Republican control of both chambers of Congress. If we don’t follow through on our campaign promise for…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed support for Johnson to continue serving as House Speaker, while many of his allies are not as sure — though a majority of Republicans either support or reluctantly support Johnson, with many noting that a drawn-out battle for the speakership would only serve to delay Trump’s agenda.
Thank you, President Trump!
Today is a new day in America.
Congressional Republicans must stay united to quickly deliver President Trump’s America First agenda.
Let’s get it done. pic.twitter.com/I0tjr7nMhE
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 3, 2025
Several Republican lawmakers have vowed to refuse to reelect Johnson, which will make things difficult for the GOP, as they have a very slim majority in the House. One of these opponents is Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who declared that he is a “Hell No” on reelecting Johnson.
“President Trump’s agenda needs to become law. Speaker Johnson has already demonstrated he is not the man who can get that done,” he added.
I'm a "Hell No" on re-electing Mike Johnson to serve as Speaker of the House. I joined @FmrRepMattGaetz on @OANN to discuss my opposition.
President Trump's agenda needs to become law. Speaker Johnson has already demonstrated he is not the man who can get that done. pic.twitter.com/JfVoCSNqDy
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025
