Upon taking the gavel, Johnson vowed to slash the size and scope of the federal government. The uneasy scene brought an ominous start to the first day of the new Congress before President-elect Donald

House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared headed for defeat before two Republicans switched their vote, delivering him a majority.

The day began with the formulaic roll call of every member of the House, which had become familiar to a national audience over the 19 different ballots to elect a Republican Speaker in 2023. (First, the 15 needed to elect Kevin McCarthy and then the four needed to replace him after his ouster.