Mike Johnson says it’s “no coincidence” that his first trip as speaker was to Jewish Republicans gathering in Las Vegas, just three weeks after Hamas attacked Israel
- House Speaker 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 reiterated his support for Israel and said the House GOP is “renewed.”
- Johnson escalated to speaker after weeks of drama following McCarthy’s ouster
Mike Johnson made his first trip as House speaker to meet with Republican Jews at a conference in Las Vegas on Saturday after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel.
In his first act after taking the gavel, Representative Johnson introduced a resolution to the House of Representatives to show the chamber’s support for Israel.
Now, in his first public appearance and his first comments in the new position, Johnson reiterates his support for the world’s only Jewish state.
“It is no coincidence that the first intention was to Israel and my first journey was to come and be with you.” “I want everyone to know where we stand,” Johnson said at the conclusion of the annual leadership summit the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Hamas terrorists entered Israel earlier this month in a surprise multi-front attack that resulted in the largest single-day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. Now, three weeks after the attack began, more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed and thousands more injured.
Johnson, who was accompanied 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.
House Speaker 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 to the UN – there will only be a ceasefire when Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Critics claim that those calling for a ceasefire are actually seeking to undermine Israel’s right to defend itself against a designated terrorist organization.
“The more important message I want to bring to this audience tonight — and the reason I wanted to be here — is that I want you to know that we are resolute on behalf of Israel,” Johnson said. “When I say that, I mean that of course we share your outrage with what everyone sees. And we want to do everything we can.”
Before Johnson spoke, he was introduced by Jewish Rep. Max Miller and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Johnson said that after a contentious few weeks in Congress in which the fate of the speakership was uncertain, Republicans now feel more united and ready to move forward.
“Just a brief report on the state of affairs,” said the spokesman. “Our members are not only united, but they are also inspired right now. They are encouraged, we have a real esprit de corps.”
“And people are feeling the sense that we have a fresh start, a fresh start,” he added, saying there was “renewed energy, new belief in our mission.”
House Republicans “renew our belief that we can do this,” Johnson said.