Republicans Swear in a Speaker

Republicans finally wrangle the House after 3 weeks of uncertainty. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was sworn in on Wednesday Oct. 25 as the 56th speaker of the house. As Johnson sits toward the conservative right, many republicans are excited to see their views reflected in the speaker.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of N.Y., hands the gavel to speaker-elect Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Johnson expressed devout support for Israel and condemned Hamas in his swearing in speech saying,"We're going to show not only Israel but the entire world that the barbarism of Hamas... is wretched and wrong and we're going to stand for the good in that conflict." (CNN Transcripts)

Johnson also touched on illegal immigration and inflation. He addressed the national debt and ensured bipartisanship when handling it, which is a bold move considering his successor.

Johnson hasn't done anything yet largely due to his lack of time in office and the impeccable response time of the Brown Chronicles. And while the Johnson hasn't begun any initiative yet, many are wondering "what's next?"

The House is staring down a fast approaching deadline for the national debt to swing back around on Nov. 17. On that date, government funding will expire and Congress must decide whether to extend the debt ceiling or default on their debt causing a government shutdown, the boogey man as of late. Additionally, Congress will need to begin working out a $106 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel. One Johnson is not likely to carte blanche.