EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) was reelected as speaker of the House on Friday during the first round of voting, but not without some objections from some House Republicans.
Three Republicans initially voted against Johnson as House speaker for the 119th Congress. One of the votes against the Louisiana congressman, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), was expected. Two others, Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), were somewhat of a surprise. However, before the first round of voting was gaveled, Johnson met with Self and Norman. After a short conversation, both switched their votes, and Johnson was reelected to his position.
CAPITOL’S NEW CROP: THE FRESH FACES OF THE HOUSE IN THE 119TH CONGRESS
So, what caused the congressmen to change their votes? For Rep. Self, it was his commitment to fight for the agenda of President-elect Donald Trump.
I asked the Texas congressman about his voting decisions today, and he told me that fulfilling the president-elect’s political ambitions influenced his decision. After speaking with Johnson, he felt comfortable that he would uphold the agenda and decided to switch his vote.
“Making the Trump agenda is my sole focus on this vote,” Self told me. “We worked with Mike Johnson to shore up the team working on reconciliation. Period.”
There was speculation that President-elect Trump was involved with the vote reversals. However, Self did not confirm as much during our conversation.
Now that Johnson was elected House speaker and Self’s vote helped accomplish that, I asked the congressman what issue or task he hoped to achieve first in the 119th Congress.
“Pass good rules,” Self replied.
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Overall, it was a good day for House Republicans. Today’s voting process was healthy, and the country witnessed the core tenets of the constitutional republic in action. Disagreement in political discourse has its roots in the country’s founding, with a vigorous and passionate exchange of ideas occurring during the First and Second Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention. The disagreements among the country’s politicians in the 18th century paved the way for today’s generation of elected leaders.
Despite Democrats’ attempts to portray the Republicans as a “party of chaos,” Republicans actually encourage the exchange of ideas and diversity of thought. Today’s vote functioned as intended. If disagreements and debate were good enough for the Founding Fathers, it is good enough for House Republicans in the 119th Congress.
This article was originally published at www.washingtonexaminer.com
