House GOP finally unites with Speaker Mike Johnson: Washington Photos of the Week

October 28, 2023 10:32 AM

The fourth time was the charm for House Republicans.

After 22 days of drama and a complete standstill of legislative business, the House rallied around its fourth nominee for House speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA).

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Johnson earned unanimous support from House Republicans on Wednesday’s floor vote and pledged “servant leadership” that will restore the public’s faith in the GOP-led House.

His election ended weeks of tumult in Congress after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) led a group of eight GOP rebels to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as speaker on Oct. 3. The vacancy set off an internal scramble to find a new leader, first with Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), then Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), and finally Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) as nominees.

Johnson was a relatively unknown member of Congress in comparison, but he benefited from being widely well-liked and respected by his peers.

“It’s not only that he has a great work ethic — he’s got just a great set of values, and he’s smart,” Jordan said. “He’s that great combination of work ethic, grounded in the right principles and values, and is a smart guy, and that’s exactly what you need for a tough job like he’s got.”

Johnson’s first challenge will be avoiding a looming Nov. 17 government shutdown and addressing aid package requests for wars in Ukraine and Israel.

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Here’s a look at Capitol scenes from the week of Oct. 23 captured by Washington Examiner photographer Graeme Jennings.

House GOP rallies around Johnson for the speakership

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) hands the gavel over to Mike Johnson (R-LA) on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol after winning the speakership on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

Rep. Mike Johnson is sworn in on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol after winning the speakership on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

Rep. Cory Mills receives applause on the House floor, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, after successfully evacuating 32 Americans who were stranded in Israel unable to find flights home as the war between Israel and Hamas intensified.

Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) shows fellow lawmakers an illustration of Donald Trump dressed in a bee costume, after Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected speaker on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) takes a selfie with Rep. Corey Mills (R-FL) on the East Front steps of the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 25, 2023. — martin estrada

Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) accompanied by fellow Republicans, speaks on the East Front steps of the U.S. Capitol on October 25, 2023.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) speaks to reporters on the East Steps the Capitol Building, following his brief stint as Speaker Pro Tempore. McHenry announced his congressional district reelection on Wednesday.

Elsewhere in Washington …