WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson joined Bret Baier on Fox News’ Special Report from Capitol Hill for an in-depth conversation on key legislative priorities, including budget reconciliation, government efficiency, federal funding, and the upcoming Speakership election in January.
Budget Reconciliation: A Path to Policy Change
Speaker Johnson emphasized the urgency of addressing the budget process early in 2025, highlighting its critical role in achieving significant policy goals.
“Everyone is absolutely determined to get the budget done very quickly out of the gates,” Johnson said. “The reconciliation process allows us to bypass the 60-vote threshold in the Senate and enact real policy changes with a simple majority.”
Johnson outlined plans for at least two reconciliation packages to tackle priority issues such as border security, energy policy, and tax reform. He stressed the importance of extending tax cuts to prevent what he called “the largest tax increase in U.S. history” while dismantling bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Department of Government Efficiency: A Transformational Opportunity
The Speaker discussed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a bipartisan initiative aimed at streamlining federal operations. He highlighted productive discussions with committee chairs and input from prominent figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do really big, transformational things,” Johnson said. “With meticulous planning and the right expertise, we can make the federal government more efficient and productive.”
Federal Funding and Continuing Resolutions
While acknowledging that continuing resolutions are not ideal, Johnson defended their use in the current political climate.
“As a conservative, this approach makes the most sense right now,” Johnson said. “It allows us to make more impactful decisions in the new year with a new Congress and leadership structure in place.”
Speakership Election: Confidence in Unity
Looking ahead to January’s Speakership election, Johnson expressed confidence in the cohesion of the Republican conference.
“We have a unified team ready to move forward,” he said. “There’s no time to waste, and I believe we’ll see a smooth transition and election process.”
Looking Forward
Johnson’s remarks reflect his focus on efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and strategic decision-making as he navigates legislative priorities in the new year. The discussion highlighted his vision for transforming government operations and addressing pressing national issues.
For more details, the full interview is available on the Fox News website.