Speaker Mike Johnson declares the House is ‘back in business’

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson proclaimed the House was back in business Wednesday after winning the gavel following three weeks of paralysis in the lower chamber without a speaker.

“To our allies around the world, know that this body of lawmakers is reporting again to our duty stations,” the Louisiana Republican said. “Let the enemies of freedom around the world hear us loud and clear: the People’s House is back in business.”

Mr. Johnson, 51, won the gavel in one round of voting, and his election unlocks the House floor for business for the first time since Oct. 3, when a group of conservative hardliners pushed out then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, California Republican. Mr. Johnson was elected unanimously by Republicans. The final vote was 220-209.

He promised his congressional colleagues a more transparent process and regular order at his office.

“My office is going to be known for members being more involved and having more influence in our processes and all the major decisions that are made here for predictable processes and regular order,” he told his fellow lawmakers.

“We owe that to the people. And I want to make this commitment to you, to my colleagues here and on the other side of the aisle as well. My office is going to be known for trust and transparency and accountability, for good stewardship of the people’s treasure,” he said.

Republicans elected Mr. Johnson of Louisiana following three weeks of infighting and chaos, uniting around a relative newcomer known as a low-key, well-spoken evangelical conservative.

Despite the stormy circumstances related to his elevation to become speaker, his remarks to lawmakers centered around his faith and that it was up to each lawmaker to help repair the public’s trust in the institution.

“I think all of our parents are proud of what we’re called to do here. I think all the American people at one time, had great pride in this institution. But right now, that’s in jeopardy. And we have a challenge before us right now to rebuild and restore that trust,” he said as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle responded positively to his message.

“In a matter like this, I believe that Scripture, the Bible is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority, he raised up each of you, all of us. And I believe that God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment in this time,” he said.