Capitol Hill was thrown into chaos earlier this month after eight Republican representatives joined with Democrats to oust then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
However, that chaos apparently drew to a close this week with the election of Louisiana Republican Rep. Mike Johnson.
According to The Hill, Johnson became the House's 56th speaker on Wednesday by a vote of 220 to 209, defeating Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Johnson's election came following earlier failed campaigns by Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan and Minnesota Republican Rep. Tom Emmer.
The Hill noted that Johnson gave a celebratory speech after taking his oath of office saying, "We’re in the majority right now."
"We’ve gone through a little bit of character building, and you know what it’s produced, more strength, more perseverance, and a lot of hope. And that’s what we’re about to deliver to the American people," he stressed.
The new speaker offered a similar message in a post put up on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
It is the honor of a lifetime to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House.
Thank you to my colleagues, friends, staff, and family for the unmatched support throughout this process.
It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) October 25, 2023
"It is the honor of a lifetime to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House. Thank you to my colleagues, friends, staff, and family for the unmatched support throughout this process," Johnson said.
"As Speaker, I will ensure the House delivers results and inspires change for the American people," he declared, adding, "We will restore trust in this body."
Johnson concluded by pledging to "advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda" and "restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it."
The Hill reported that after becoming speaker, Johnson addressed the House on a bipartisan resolution supporting Israel, saying, "The last thing I’m going to say is a message to the rest of the world."
"They have been watching this drama play out for a few weeks; we’ve learned a lot of lessons, but you know what? Through adversity, it makes you stronger," he asserted.
"And we want our allies around the world to know that this body of lawmakers is reporting again to our duty stations. Let the enemies of freedom around the world hear us loud and clear: The People's House is back in business," the new speaker stated.
