Speaker denies early exit reports
Paul Ryan insists the GOP should avoid divisive elections
WASHINGTON — Speaker Paul D. Ryan defended himself Tuesday amid reports of threats to his leadership position and reiterated his view that it’s not in Republicans’ best interest to have a divisive leadership race before the November midterm elections.
“Obviously, I serve at the pleasure of the members; those are the people who drafted me in this job the first place,” the Wisconsin Republican said when asked if he is confident he will remain speaker through the election. “But I think we all agree the best thing for us is to complete our agenda … .”
One report from Politico said top Republicans were questioning Ryan’s effectiveness as speaker and arguing that he’s lost some juice now that he’s a lame duck. Other news articles have raised similar questions, although, when asked publicly, most members say they believe he should stay in his role.
“The members drafted me into this job because of who I am and what I stand for,” Ryan said.
In the wake of the defeat of the farm bill on the floor Friday, the speaker outlined Republicans’ coming floor schedule. Just this week, the chamber will consider the National Defense Authorization Act, a banking overhaul bill, a measure to provide expanded access to experimental medical treatments, and legislation to overhaul the prison system and reduce recidivism rates.