U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was elected to succeed House Speaker John Boehner Thursday.
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“He has proven himself to be a thoughtful leader as Chairman of the Budget Committee, as a candidate for Vice President, and as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee”.
For more on how Ryan – the youngest person to be elected speaker of the House since 1869, the Washington Post reported – went from repeatedly saying he didn’t want the job to becoming speaker, read Politico’s story.
His main Republican challenger, Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, received nine votes, while former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee each received one vote.
In an address that lasted just under 10 minutes, Boehner said he felt satisfied with his almost five years as the House speaker.
“A lot is on our shoulders, so if you ever pray, let’s pray for each other – Republicans for Democrats, and Democrats for Republicans”, said Ryan.
Ryan, who earned the votes of numerous far-right conservatives of the Freedom Caucus who voted against him behind closed doors Wednesday, offered hints that he had heard their complaints.
“I felt the moon and the stars and all of the planets had fallen on me, and we should all feel that way”, said Speaker Ryan.
Ryan won the vote in the House of Representatives Thursday morning with the support of 236 of 435 voting members, after being nominated Wednesday by the Republican majority in the House.
If it is passed by the Senate, Mr Ryan’s first major task as Speaker will be to implement the plan with a major multi-agency spending Bill needed by Dec 11.
Last month, Boehner had announced his resignation under pressure from the ultra-conservative wing of the party. We are adding to them.
Boehner stepped down, saluted his colleagues and walked to the back of the chamber.
Ryan received an extended ovation and cheers from lawmakers and invited guests, including 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who chose Ryan to be his running mate.
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The new and outgoing speaker were both warmly applauded, with Boehner giving an emotional farewell speech.
