By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was a busy day in Washington for Republicans, who continue to lay the groundwork for their future under a Trump presidency.
President-elect Donald Trump was in the nation’s capital today for meetings with President Joe Biden and House Republicans. Trump met with House Republicans Wednesday morning before meeting with President Biden at the White House. According to House Republicans, the meeting was jovial, positive and energetic after last week’s election results.
“People are so enthusiastic. I mean, it’s a different day here now that we know that the entire government will be run by Republicans- the House, the Senate, as well as the White House,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY).
“The energy was spectacular, the vibe was positive, serious, but humorous and energetic with a set of priorities that’s going to make the American people proud that they reelected Donald Trump- not only with the electoral vote, but the popular vote. It’s a big statement and we’re going to live up to their expectations,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- MI).
While President-elect Trump and President Biden met at the White House, Senate Republicans decided their future majority leader, Sen. John Thune (R- SD). Thune currently serves as Senate minority whip and will succeed leader Mitch McConnell who has led Republicans in the Senate for nearly 18 years. Thune beat Sen. John Cornyn (R- TX), 29-24, in a second ballot behind closed doors. Sen. Rick Scott (R- FL) was eliminated after coming in third on the first ballot.
House Republicans spent much of Wednesday in closed door meetings working to finalize their leadership team. Speaker Mike Johnson (R- LA) won the GOP nomination Wednesday evening to retain the gavel in the 119th Congress. The nomination tees him up for what should be a smooth vote to officially serve a full term as Speaker of the House. He will need a simple majority, or 218 votes, when the House votes for Speaker in early January.
“I join in President Trump in supporting Speaker Johnson for another term. He led us to that effort to bring back a majority,” said Langworthy. “He traveled the whole country campaigning, raising funds, working hard for our team. And we’ve come back despite really tall odds and getting wildly outspent,” Langworthy added.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R- MI) was selected by her conference Wednesday to serve as House Republican Caucus Chair, the fourth-highest House GOP leadership position. McClain will fill the position which became vacant after President-elect Trump appointed Rep. Elise Stefanik (R- NY), the current conference chair, to serve as his United Nations Ambassador.
