DC Debrief: Speaker Of The House Is Elected And Jimmy Carter's Legacy Is Honored

A new Speaker of the House was elected, and leaders from both sides of the aisle came together to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter. Amid a whirlwind week in Washington, Scott Mitchell and Alex Cameron discussed the latest developments, including the peaceful certification of the electoral vote and preparations for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

Johnson Elected Speaker, Electoral Vote Certified Smoothly

Rep. Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the House in a single vote, with the support of President-elect Donald Trump. The smooth transition came as Washington prepared for the electoral vote certification.

Despite concerns about a winter storm potentially halting proceedings, most members stayed in town, allowing the certification to proceed without delay. “It could not have been more different than the certification in 2021,” said Alex Cameron, referencing the heightened security around the Capitol and the peaceful process.

Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the session, formally certifying the results with composure. Cameron noted that Harris joins the ranks of past vice presidents, including Al Gore and Richard Nixon, who have similarly presided over certifications following their electoral defeats.

Inauguration and Legislative Challenges Ahead

The focus now shifts to the inauguration on Jan. 20, with heightened security measures remaining in place. Meanwhile, lawmakers are preparing for a challenging legislative agenda under the Trump administration.

Budget reconciliation, which allows certain legislation to pass with a simple majority, presents its own challenges. “Reconciliation can really only be used once per fiscal year,” Cameron noted. Splitting the agenda into two bills would delay parts of the plan until after Oct 1.

Honoring Jimmy Carter: A Unifying Moment

This week also saw a rare moment of unity as the nation honored former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away recently. Current and former presidents gathered at the state funeral, including a notable interaction between Trump and former President Barack Obama, sparking widespread speculation online.

Cameron highlighted Carter’s enduring legacy: “(he) did so much in his post-presidency, really set the bar high, and I think ..., this recognition, this love, outpouring of love for him, is as much about what he did after his presidency than the example he set as president..” He shared a conversation with a Trump supporter who traveled to Washington to pay respects to Carter, describing him as a “true patriot.”

As Washington braces for a new administration, Carter’s legacy serves as a reminder of leadership grounded in service and unity.