Reuters. The U.S. House of Representatives elected Republican Mike Johnson, a conservative with little leadership experience, as its speaker on Wednesday after a turbulent three weeks that left the rudderless chamber unable to respond to the Middle East crisis or carry out any of its basic duties.
The 220 to 209 party-line vote elevated Johnson to a leadership post that has been vacant since Kevin McCarthy was ousted on Oct. 3 by a small group of his fellow Republicans.
"We want our allies around the world to know that this body of lawmakers are reporting again to our duty stations," Johnson, 51, said shortly after winning the speaker's gavel.
He said he would soon call up legislation to signal support for Israel, which has stepped up its bombings of Gaza following a cross-border killing and kidnapping spree by Hamas militants early this month.
