Schneider Statement on Election of Speaker Johnson

WASHINGTON — Congressmen Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on the election of Mike Johnson as Speaker:

“Speaker Johnson led the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and install Donald Trump as President, now he is Speaker of the House and second in line of succession to the Presidency.

Mike Johnson has called for a nationwide abortion ban, opposes same-sex marriage, and has spearheaded efforts to cut Medicare and Social Security. Now, at a time of international crisis, Republicans have elected a speaker who not only has no plan to support Israel, but is opposed to support for our ally Ukraine.

“I am disappointed that Republicans never once during this speakership crisis looked to Democrats to work together. I wish they wanted to work towards a more centered approach to governing for all Americans. We need to work together to pass common sense legislation to reduce the deficit, reform our immigration system, and protect American interests around the world. Instead, they have doubled down on their commitment to a partisan process that will, in all likelihood, lead us to yet another manufactured governing crisis. 

“The Speaker’s current plan leaves Israel, Ukraine and our democratic allies high and dry. Failing to support Israel, and humanitarian aid for Gaza, empowers Hamas and its allies, including Iran. Leaving Hamas in control of Gaza not only threatens Israel, it also condemns the people of Gaza to more misery. Allowing Putin to succeed in Ukraine threatens all of Europe.

“I pray that the new Speaker will come to see his new responsibilities to the country means leading the  way for all Americans. And I hope he understands that includes responsibly funding the government and keeping support for supplemental funding for Israel and Ukraine bipartisan.”

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