WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday voted to install Republican Representative Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, as its new speaker, replacing John Boehner following a revolt by conservative lawmakers who forced his retirement.
Ryan, 45, received 236 votes, as Republicans who control the House provided the votes necessary to elect Ryan, putting him in charge of legislation that moves through the 435-member chamber and next in line to the U.S. presidency after the vice president.
“To me, the House represents the best of America: the boundless opportunity to do good,” Ryan said in his first remarks to the House as speaker. “But let’s be frank. The House is broken. We are not solving problems. We are adding to them. What a relief it would be to the American people if we finally got our act together. Cynics will scoff and say it’s not possible. But you better believe we will try. We will not duck tough issues. We will take them head on. We have nothing to fear from honest differences honestly stated. If you have ideas, let’s hear them.”
Congratulations to Ryan poured in today.
“I am proud to support my friend and mentor, Congressman Paul Ryan, for Speaker of the House. Paul has a history of conservative leadership as the House Budget Committee Chairman, 2012 Vice Presidential candidate and as the Ways and Means Committee Chairman. Paul is a proven conservative and I look forward to working with him to get our nation’s fiscal house back in order,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah.
“True leaders reveal themselves in times of uncertainty and change. They thrive under pressure and create new paths forward, always working toward the greatest good. Paul Ryan is a true conservative who embodies this type of visionary leadership. His installment today as Speaker of the House gives me renewed confidence and optimism in the direction of our party and country, and I’m certain his experience, skills, and statesmanship will begin a new chapter of prosperity in our nation’s history. Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Speaker Paul D. Ryan, as he enters into this exciting and challenging new role,” said Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Brookfield.
“History came knocking at his door and I’m glad that he said, ‘yes,’ said Wisconsin state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester. “Paul Ryan is going to be in one of the most influential spots in our country. I know he’ll be a fantastic speaker and will make every single person in Wisconsin proud.”
“In politics, it is easy to spot the differences between those who are genuine and those who are in elected office for all the wrong reasons,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. “Nothing in the government is more important than personal integrity. We can find truly good people on both sides of the political aisle, and in my view, Speaker Ryan is one of the absolute best.”
Some Democrats also offered congratulations to Ryan.
“Congratulations to my friend, colleague & fellow Wisconsinite @SpeakerRyan,” U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, said on Twitter. “Best of luck, Paul. Let’s get to work.”
“Congratulations and best of luck to my friend, and the newest #SpeakerOfTheHouse, @SpeakerRyan,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, said on Twitter.
