Senate Republicans are feeling a sense of relief now that the House has a new Speaker, although they admit they don’t know much about him. When asked if they knew the newly installed Speaker, Mike Johnson (R-La.), many senators, including Senator John Barrasso and Senator Mike Rounds, expressed their lack of familiarity with him. This situation is a result of the recent upheaval in the House.
According to The Hill, despite Johnson’s relatively short time in the House, he managed to unite the House Republican conference and become Speaker, a feat that some thought was impossible. He faces significant challenges, including collaborating with the Senate on government funding and a supplemental package.
However, one of his tasks is also to get to know his colleagues across the aisle. Most GOP senators, including Senate Republican leadership, have limited knowledge of Johnson. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, have not met him personally.
While many senators had little awareness of Johnson until recently, they are mostly relieved to have someone running the House. They are willing to give Johnson a chance, even if they don’t know him well personally.
Despite this lack of familiarity, those who have worked with Johnson praise his policy expertise and work ethic, considering him a capable leader for the challenging times ahead. Johnson’s congressional tenure has included controversial moments, such as his involvement in the effort to overturn the 2020 electoral count, but some senators believe he can bridge divides and move forward.
Johnson assumes the Speakership during a critical period when Congress must avoid a government shutdown and address a $106 billion supplemental package. His stance on these issues, especially regarding Israel, Ukraine, and government funding, remains to be seen. Johnson has laid out an ambitious plan to fund the government and address these pressing matters.
In summary, Senate Republicans are somewhat unfamiliar with the new House Speaker, Mike Johnson, but they are cautiously optimistic about his leadership during a challenging time in Congress.