- Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson made his first trip in his new role to speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday
- He doubled down on support for Israel and said the House Republican Party has been “renewed.”
- Johnson escalated to Speaker after weeks of drama following McCarthy’s ouster
Mike Johnson made his first trip as Speaker of the House of Representatives to meet with Republican Jews at a conference in Las Vegas on Saturday, in the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel.
In his first act after taking the gavel, Representative Johnson introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to demonstrate the House’s support for Israel.
Now, in his first public visit and remarks in the new role, Johnson is doubling down on his support for the world’s only Jewish state.
“It is no coincidence that the first decision was for Israel, and my first journey was to be with you. I want everyone to know where we stand,” Johnson said as he closed the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual Leadership Summit.
Hamas terrorists entered Israel earlier this month in a surprise multi-front attack that led to the largest massacre of Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust. Now, three weeks after the attack, more than 1,400 Israelis are dead and thousands injured.
Johnson, who was joined by his wife Kelly on Saturday evening, also sent a message to the United Nations, condemning the General Assembly for voting in favor of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Israel.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson made his first trip in his new role to speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday
The Louisiana Republican said: “This message is for the UN: There will be no ceasefire until Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Critics argue that those calling for a ceasefire are actually trying to undermine Israel’s right to defend itself against a designated terrorist organization.
“The most important message I want to convey to this audience tonight – and the reason I wanted to be here – is because I want you to know that we are committed on behalf of Israel,” Johnson said. ‘When I say that, I mean that we obviously share your outrage with what everyone sees. And we want to do everything we can.’
Before coming out to speak, Johnson was introduced by Jewish Rep. Max Miller and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Johnson said that after a contentious few weeks in Congress, where the fate of speakers was up in the air, Republicans now feel more united and ready to move forward.
“Just a quick report on the state of affairs,” the Speaker said. “Our members are not only united, they are now inspired. They are encouraged, there is a real sense of esprit de corps among us.’
“And people feel like we have a new beginning, a new start,” he added, saying there is “renewed energy, a new confidence in our mission.”
Republicans in the House of Representatives “believe again that we can do this,” Johnson said.