His main Republican challenger, Representative Daniel Webster of
Florida, received nine votes, while former Secretary of State Colin
Powell and Representative Jim Cooper of Tennessee each received one
vote.
Republican Paul Ryan elected as U.S. House speaker,replacing Boehner
(Reuters)
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday voted to install Republican Representative Paul Ryan as its new speaker, replacing John Boehner following a revolt by conservative lawmakers who forced his retirement.
Ryan won 236 votes among the 247 Republicans in the chamber, indicating that the Wisconsin congressman was deserted by only a handful of the conservatives who pushed out Boehner.
His main Republican challenger, Representative Daniel Webster of Florida, received nine votes, while former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Representative Jim Cooper of Tennessee each received one vote.
Ryan now moves to the number two succession spot for the presidency behind the vice president, a position he sought in 2012 as Mitt Romney's running mate.
Previously
the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Ryan has
served in the chamber since 1999. He is the architect of conservative
budget plans that sought to rein in federal spending in part by cutting
federal retirement and health insurance plans.
As
the 54th speaker, Ryan's first challenge will be to avoid a government
shutdown on Dec. 11 when funds for an array of federal agencies expire.
Boehner, in emotional farewell speech before the vote, said: "I leave with no regrets or burdens."
Hard
line conservatives, who challenged Boehner's leadership over the past
five years by pressing for quicker progress in shrinking government and
tackling social issues, listened from their seats.
In what could be a direct warning to those lawmakers, Boehner advised: "Real
change takes time. Yes, freedom makes all things possible, but patience
is what makes all things real. So believe in the long, slow struggle."
إرسال تعليق