Republican lawmakers react to Boehner’s retirement

After the stunning announcement that House Speaker John Boehner plans to resign, Texas’ congressional Republicans are pushing Pete Sessions for majority whip, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Dallas Morning News on Friday.

Boehner announced Friday that he has chose to resign his seat in Congress effective October 30. Boehner was a focus of conservative’s complaints during his time as speaker, and prior to announcing his resignation, faced the threat of a floor vote over whether he would remain in his spot. It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution.

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, said in a statement that next speaker should be someone “who can boldly advance our agenda of conservative solutions while effectively managing the House in an incredibly fractious environment”.

“I am hopeful that the Republican caucus will elect a new Speaker that supports the conservative values and priorities that the American people support”.

Boehner has held the position as Speaker of the House for almost five years.

“I think most bets are that Kevin McCarthy who’s been the number two guy, the majority leader under the speaker would probably move up”.

Several Republicans praised Boehner for his work in Congress and his strong faith. Regardless of what he does, Boehner’s departure ensures a major leadership race in which tea party conservatives would be expected to field a candidate. But he will be on a tightrope from day one – knowing that the more he accommodates the House GOP’s hard-core majority, the less likely it is there will be a Republican in the White House come January 2017. Boehner has been speaker since 2011.

“I’m a guy who thinks that’s why we’re there and we gotta get things done”, he said.

Businessman Donald Trump, also a GOP contender at the summit, allowed that “some people like him on a personal basis”, but said “we want to see the job being done properly”.

Obama said he got a chance to speak with Boehner directly about his decision before a joint press conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is at the White House for a state visit.

Hanna said there is a list of legislative items that need to be addressed, including education and transportation bills and reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.

Rep. Richard Hanna told the Auburn Citizen that Boehner had been an “honest broker” and Rep. Elise Stefanik said in a statement she “will miss [Boehner] as a friend and colleague in the House”. “Now is the time to move forward toward the America we want for our children and grandchildren”.