Speaker of the House – American Federation of Government Employees Local 704

Senate Dems see possible partner in Ryan

Getty Images

By Alexander Bolton – 10/29/15 08:05 AM EDT

Senate Democrats are optimistic that Rep. Paul Ryan’s ascension to Speaker will make Congress less dysfunctional and open the door to major deals in the future.

Based on Ryan’s track record, Democratic leaders say they’re encouraged that Washington is entering a new chapter that will be a break from the divisive era of Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).

“Every time I’ve dealt with him, he’s been straightforward, he’s been honorable, and he’s been willing to compromise,” Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.) said of Ryan. Continue reading “Senate Dems see possible partner in Ryan”

House approves budget deal in big 266-167 vote

By Mike Lillis and Peter Schroeder – 10/28/15 05:14 PM EDT

House lawmakers in both parties joined forces Wednesday to pass a sweeping budget deal that marks both a parting victory for outgoing Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and a valedictory gift for his likely replacement, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

The final vote was 266 to 167, with 79 Republicans joining every Democrat in sealing passage. Ryan was among the supporters.

The legislation, which raises federal spending levels and expands the government’s borrowing authority, would push two of Congress’s fiercest fiscal fights well beyond next year’s elections, avoiding potential standoffs with President Obama and easing Ryan’s transition into the Speaker’s chair. Continue reading “House approves budget deal in big 266-167 vote”

Ryan sets ambitious agenda if elected House speaker

WASHINGTON | By Richard Cowan

Paul Ryan revealed a bold to-do list when he agreed to run for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, but to carry it out he will need a level of compromise and cohesion that has been sorely lacking on Capitol Hill for a long time.

If all goes as expected next week, the Wisconsin lawmaker and 2012 Republican vice-presidential nominee will replace John Boehner as House speaker. In announcing his willingness to seek the job, Ryan said in a statement to party colleagues:

“I know many of you want to show the country how to fix our tax code, how to rebuild our military, how to strengthen the safety net, and how to lift people out of poverty.”

Continue reading “Ryan sets ambitious agenda if elected House speaker”

Ryan pledges ‘clean slate’ as he seeks job of House Speaker

By ERICA WERNER 7 hours ago

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, following meetings with House Republican leaders and the Freedom Caucus members. Ryan seeking unity in a place it’s rarely found, is telling House Republicans he will serve as their speaker only if they embrace him by week’s end as their consensus candidate. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Paul Ryan, on his way to becoming speaker of the House and second in line to the presidency, says Congress must change its ways.

“We are not solving the country’s problems; we are only adding to them,” he says.

The 45-year-old House Ways and Means Committee chairman pledges to change that dynamic if selected speaker in elections next week. He is a lock for the job now that he’s secured support from all factions of the House GOP, including the hardline Freedom Caucus.

“We have an opportunity to turn the page, to start with a clean slate, and to rebuild what has been lost,” Ryan, the 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee, said in a letter to fellow Republicans late Thursday that formally announced his candidacy. “We can make the House a more open and inclusive body — one where every member can contribute to the legislative process.”

Continue reading “Ryan pledges ‘clean slate’ as he seeks job of House Speaker”

10 Freedom Caucus Members Publicly Reject Paul Ryan, Enough To Doom His Candidacy For Speaker

by Judd Legum Oct 21, 2015 3:31pm

CREDIT: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Paul Ryan has a big obstacle standing the way of becoming House Speaker: Math.

As a condition of him accepting the position of House Speaker, Ryan laid out a list of demands. Chief among them is that the Republican caucus gives up their ability to call a “Motion To Vacate The Chair,” which is basically a method of deposing a sitting speaker.

Another key demand from Ryan is that he secure the endorsement of all the major caucuses within the House GOP.

That won’t be an issue for Ryan with one big exception, the Freedom Caucus. The Freedom Caucus is comprised of about 40 hard-line members who want the House Republicans to be much more aggressive. They are the also the group who forced out Speaker John Boehner by threatening a Motion To Vacate The Chair.

According to Freedom Caucus rules, you need the support of four-fifths of the caucus to secure their endorsement. That means anyone who is opposed by more than 8 members will not be able to be endorsed by the group.

Already 10 Freedom Caucus members have publicly expressed their opposition to Ryan or his key demand, which is enough to sink his candidacy.

Ryan could either change his demands or any of these Representatives could change their position. But as it stands now, things are not looking up for Paul Ryan. Continue reading “10 Freedom Caucus Members Publicly Reject Paul Ryan, Enough To Doom His Candidacy For Speaker”

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: