While addressing the press on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was asked to respond to criticisms of his inexperience after back-to-back failed votes in the House Tuesday night.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the GOP-led House was not able to pass articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas or a $17.6 billion standalone Israel aid bill, leading to both bills failing on the floor.
“Some of your critics will say this shows your inexperience, and Congressman [Thomas] Massie says getting rid of Kevin McCarthy was an unmitigated disaster for your party. What do you say to that?” CNN’s Manu Raju asked.
“Well, look, it was a mess what happened here, but we’re cleaning it up,” Johnson said. “And Massie’s one of my dear friends and colleagues.”
“I don’t think that this is a reflection on the leader,” Johnson added. “It’s a reflection on the body itself and the place where we’ve come in this country.”
“Again, the process is messy sometimes, but the job will be done, and we’re gonna govern this country. It’s the greatest country in the history of the world. The entire world is counting upon us,” Johnson continued. “We have steady hands at the wheel. We’ll get through it. Everybody, take a deep breath. It’s a long game. We’re gonna get the job done.”
