House Speaker Kevin McCarthy formally opened the 118th Congress early Saturday morning, holding the Speaker’s gavel and taking the oath of office for new members throughout the chamber.
His presidency followed a dramatic week that slowly won more than 20 Republicans who initially did not support his presidency and shifted their votes to other members.
After winning the 15th and final ballot, McCarthy praised: Our commitment to America. ”
“Our country is worth fighting for,” he added in his opening remarks.
Early Saturday morning, January 7, 2023, Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) will be sworn in as Speaker of the House in the Washington State Capitol by Kevin McCarthy (R-California).
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnick)
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Upon accepting Gavel as Speaker of the House, McCarthy thanked his colleagues for their support and shared his vision of uniting the legislative branch.
“You know, my dad always told me, it’s not how we start, it’s how we finish. And now we need to finish strong for the American people.” There is,’ he said.
“My ultimate responsibility as Speaker of the House is not to my party, to my Congress, or to our Congress. My responsibility, which is our responsibility, is to our country. “Two months ago you voted for a new direction for our country. You accepted your commitment to America. And now we intend to maintain our commitment to you.”
Newly elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy speaks after being elected on the 15th ballot at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 7, 2023.
(Olivier d’Lilliery/AFP via Getty Images)
His remarks also included a warning to New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who was elected as House Minority Leader by House Democrats.
“If the son of a firefighter and the grandson of an immigrant can rise to the highest ranks of the most important legislative bodies in the world, my colleague Hakeem Jeffries will bring his life story to his party. “Opportunity and democracy will still thrive in America if we can lead the Americans,” McCarthy said.
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He added: , next month, and next year set the tone for all that ensued. ”
“Hakeem – I have to warn you. I got 100% of my congressional votes on this floor two years ago. So good luck!” McCarthy said jokingly.
House Speaker-Elect Kevin McCarthy of California receives the gavel from House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of NY on the House floor of the Washington State Capitol early Saturday, January 7, 2023.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnick)
Minority leader Hakeem Jeffrey after handing the gavel to newly elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy after being elected on the 15th ballot at the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 7, 2023 Zu resigns.
(Olivier d’Lilliery/AFP via Getty Images)
McCarthy also identified some of his priorities for this Congress. This includes an investigation into China, securing borders and attempting to pay off some of the over $31 trillion federal debt.
“We will also address America’s long-term challenges: the debt and the Chinese Communist Party. Congress must speak with one voice on both of these issues,” said the Speaker of the House.
He vowed to build a “safe country” and help shape a “future built on freedom.” McCarthy also wanted to build “a government accountable for getting the answers Americans want, need, and deserve.”
“Our system is built on checks and balances. It’s time for us to check back and give some balance to the president’s policies,” McCarthy added. Nothing is more important than making sure we live the life we deserve and enjoy it.”
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He also promised to “stop wasteful Washington spending to lower the prices of food, gasoline, automobiles, and housing, and stop the mounting national debt.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (Republican, California) will be sworn into the House of Representatives on the House floor of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Saturday, January 7, 2023.
(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“We are committed to unlocking reliable, abundant, American-made energy to reduce regulatory burdens, lower energy costs for families, and create better-paying jobs for workers,” added McCarthy. “Our first bill ends funding for 87,000 new IRS agents. The government should be here to help you, not chase you.”
Republicans also said they would reopen the U.S. Capitol, which had no additional security measures and was largely closed to the public after the Jan. 6, 2021 riots.
“My friends, this chamber is now fully open to all Americans,” he said.
House Speaker-Elect Kevin McCarthy (California) holds a gavel in the House of Representatives at the Washington State Capitol early Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnick)
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The line was applauded by Republicans.
“Our country is worth fighting for. Our rights are worth fighting for. Our dreams are worth fighting for. Our future is worth fighting for,” McCarthy said.
