Peoria Standard

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) has expressed his support for Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04) to become the next Speaker of the House. In a statement, LaHood highlighted Johnson's qualifications and his commitment to conservative policies, individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and border security. LaHood also emphasized the importance of conducting oversight of the Biden Administration.

"I am proud to support Mike Johnson as the next Speaker of the House. Mike is a family man who understands the importance of advancing conservative policies that promote individual liberty, rein in spending, and secure the border, while also conducting needed oversight of the Biden Administration. Mike can unite our Conference and I look forward to working with him to deliver results for central and northwestern Illinois."

LaHood acknowledged the recent challenges faced by the House of Representatives due to the election of a new Speaker. He expressed his concern about the impact of internal divisions on important national and international issues.

"Over the past three weeks, we've witnessed the consequences borne from a small group of Members who put self over governing and the impact of the Motion to Vacate. Russia, China, and Iran are on the move to distort and defeat democracy, Israel, one of our strongest allies, is under attack from Hamas terrorists, and tensions are escalating in the Middle East. Our southern border is in complete chaos and government funding runs out in less than a month."

LaHood urged his colleagues to put aside their differences and focus on the urgent matters facing the country. He emphasized the need to govern for the American people and find solutions to the problems that voters expect the Republican Majority to address.

"The election of a new Speaker has been a messy process that has prohibited the House from advancing a conservative agenda for three weeks. It's time to get back to work, govern for the American people, and pursue solutions to the problems voters sent our Republican Majority to Washington to fix."

In a time of numerous challenges, Congressman Darin LaHood stands behind Congressman Mike Johnson as the next Speaker of the House. LaHood believes that Johnson's leadership and commitment to conservative principles will help unite the Conference and deliver results for the people of central and northwestern Illinois.

Click this link to access more information: https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-statement-on-the-election-of-speaker-mike-johnson