SE Valley Times

Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs expressed optimism in Mike Johnson's leadership since he was elected as the Speaker of the House last week, ending a three-week period without a Speaker. Biggs stated, "The Left has destroyed our great nation. But having Mike Johnson as our new Speaker gets us back on track. Americans have something to really look forward to."

Last month, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz initiated the vote to oust Kevin McCarthy, marking an event that has not taken place in over a century. The motion was successful with a vote of 216 to 210, with eight Republicans aligning with Democrats in favor of McCarthy's removal from the speakership. McCarthy informed lawmakers that he would not seek re-election, leaving the position vacant.

Mike Johnson, a Representative from Louisiana, secured the election after a 22-day period without a Speaker, following the unsuccessful attempts of Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan and a few other nominees. Johnson has served as a Louisiana representative since 2016 and holds the position of Chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, in addition to his role as House Republican Conference vice chair. He is also a member of several other committees.

Just one day after Johnson's election, the House approved The Energy and Water Development appropriations bill with hardly any Republican opposition. "Under Kevin McCarthy's leadership, it took 8 months to pass one appropriations bill," stated Biggs, according to platform X. "Under Mike Johnson's leadership, it took one day to pass one appropriations bill. This is promising."

The Energy and Water Development bill, which passed with minimal opposition, reduces federal spending in that sector by over $800 billion. This bill is one of the 12 individual spending bills that lawmakers were required to assemble by November 17, following an extension granted by McCarthy, to prevent a government shutdown on October 1.