Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan has been chosen as the 54th speaker of the U.S. House. Ryan, 45, is the youngest speaker to serve in the House of Representatives. He replaces John Boehner, who resigned last month.
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) Photo courtesy of U.S. House of Representatives
West Central Missouri Republican Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler said Republicans had their sights on Ryan for the job.
“We have a confidence in his competency. He has become an expert on many of the issues facing us, including the economy, healthcare, how to raise people out of poverty,” said Hartzler.
East Central Missouri Republican Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer said he looks forward to Ryan’s leadership.
“Throughout his time in the House, Paul Ryan has proven time and again that he is a thoughtful leader who understands how to advance conservative policies that make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. As a friend and a colleague, I was proud to support him and vote for him to be the Speaker of the House. I am confident that under Paul Ryan’s leadership, the House will make progress on the issues that are important to the American people,” said Luetkemeyer.
Republican Congressman Jason Smith said Ryan’s election represents a new direction for House Republicans and America.
“Paul Ryan is my Chairman on the House Ways & Means Committee and I am glad that he will now Chair the people’s House. He is a true policy leader and I have never worked with a more inclusive, transparent, and driven individual. Speaker Ryan will focus on the policy and the strategy, not the politics. He does what’s right for the country, not what’s most politically expedient. Paul Ryan is a unifier who has the trust and respect of not only our conference, but of the American people. He will guide the House with a fair and honest hand, while advancing important conservative Republican principles,” said Smith.
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
Democratic Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver believes Ryan will try to do the right thing.
“I think that’s who he is. I think he’s a good and decent man. I appreciate more than he will ever know his comments about the fact that he is going to put his family first,” said Cleaver. One of the diseases in Washington is that people expect nothing to come before legislation. The truth of the matter is that the world doesn’t revolve around Washington.”
Cleaver hopes Ryan can help with a variety of issues important to Missourians, including a solution for funding roads and bridges. He also thinks Ryan will try to end Congress’ dysfunctional image.
Ryan was sworn in today on the floor of the House of Representatives. During his acceptance speech, he said he has plans to overhaul the tax code, slash federal spending and rewrite the social contracts for Medicare and Social Security.
