John Boehner Reelected as House Speaker
Despite a rocky few weeks during the “fiscal cliff” fight, John Boehner won re-election as speaker of the House of Representatives on Thursday and will lead Republicans as they take on the White House over federal spending.
Boehner beat Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi by 220-192 in the speakership vote on the first day of a new Congress.
A possible rebellion against Boehner from conservatives upset at his handling of the fiscal crisis never emerged and only a handful of Republicans voted against him.
Some Republicans have criticized the Ohio congressman for dragging his feet on aid for storm Sandy victims in the Northeast and for backing tax hikes on the wealthy sought by President Barack Obama to avert the “fiscal cliff” of steep tax increases and spending cuts.
New fights loom over spending cuts for military and domestic programs as well as the “debt ceiling” limit of how much the federal government can borrow.
“Being speaker today is no bargain, I tell you,” Republican Representative Peter King said on morning TV talks shows on Thursday.
King, of New York, was among those who slammed Boehner on Wednesday for postponing an anticipated vote on a $60 billion aide package for victims of Sandy.
Under pressure, Boehner, 63, agreed later in the day to vote on Friday on $9 billion in relief and on January 15 for another $51 billion in aide.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
