WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans embraced a new leader Wednesday and swiftly consented to a major budget-and-debt deal to avert a federal financial crisis, highlights of a day of dramatic fresh starts at the Capitol after years of division and disarray.
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the 2012 GOP vice presidential candidate and a telegenic spokesman for conservative priorities, was nominated by his colleagues in a secret-ballot election to serve as speaker of the House, second in line to the presidency. The full House will confirm that choice on Thursday.
"This begins a new day in the House of Representatives," Ryan, 45, said after the vote. "We are turning the page."
Ryan initially preferred to keep his current job as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, where his domain includes taxes and health programs and trade — issues where he's sought to put his imprint.
He was talked into seeking the speaker's post by establishment Republicans who saw him as best able to unify the tattered House GOP. Taking command of the fractious House could make it harder for Ryan should he decide to run for president someday, with history showing just one speaker or ex-speaker ever reaching the White House — James Polk in 1844.
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans embraced a new leader Wednesday and swiftly consented to a major budget-and-debt deal to avert a federal financial crisis, highlights of a day of dramatic fresh starts at the Capitol after years of division and disarray.
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the 2012 GOP vice presidential candidate and a telegenic spokesman for conservative priorities, was nominated by his colleagues in a secret-ballot election to serve as speaker of the House, second in line to the presidency. The full House will confirm that choice on Thursday.
"This begins a new day in the House of Representatives," Ryan, 45, said after the vote. "We are turning the page."
