SPOKANE, Wash. — Representatives with Eastern Washington and North Idaho have released statements after House Republicans unanimously chose Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as House speaker Wednesday.
While some representatives were vocal in their support of Johnson, others were more than willing to share their reservations against the new House speaker.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) said he was proud to vote for Johnson, calling him a "committed, common-sense conservative" with a strong voice in the Republican conference.
"He has laid out a plan to get Congress back on track, and to get us back to doing the work we were sent here to do," Rep. Newhouse said.
Idaho congressman Mike Simpson also voiced his support for Johnson and said he would "put our country's best interests first."
"I had the opportunity to speak with Speaker Johnson this morning about critical issues facing Idaho, including the importance of solving our agricultural workforce crisis and passing appropriations bills to avoid a government shutdown," Rep. Simpson said. "I am confident Speaker Johnson will work with all members of our party to pass our single-subject spending bills and bring legislation to the floor that will advance Idaho priorities in Congress. I was proud to cast my vote in support of Speaker Johnson, and I look forward to working with him to get the House of Representatives back to work on behalf of the American people."
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) says Johnson has "the heart and mind to lead us through the challenges facing our nation."
"I was proud to nominate him for Speaker of the House this week," Rodgers said. "He believes in fostering unity and teamwork by empowering Members based on their unique strengths and goals. Together, we will make people’s lives better with lower energy costs, less crime, a more secure border, and a better quality of life—the things we were sent here to accomplish."
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) was not as supportive of the decision to elect Johnson, citing the Louisiana representative as a factor in "how mainstream the MAGA movement has become."
"Instead of standing up for the American people, the House GOP continues to bend to the extremist wings of their party that seek to undermine democracy and the very foundations of our nation," Rep. Strickland said.
The Idaho Democratic Party shared Rep. Strickland's opinions, stating that the decision to elect Johnson "threatens Idahoans' freedoms and economic stability."
"From banning abortion nationwide to leading efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and slashing Social Security and Medicare for thousands of Idaho seniors, Mike Johnson is on the record fighting for the most extreme, unpopular parts of the MAGA agenda," the party said.
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