U.S Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
While Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) is expected to see broad support from Republicans this week as he runs for speaker of the house, one political expert doubts it will be smooth sailing on some key issues still awaiting action in Congress.
Republicans are expected to vote by Thursday on whether to elect Ryan as speaker, after the Republican from Wisconsin’s first Congressional district spent last week locking down support from key factions in the House of Representatives. Despite the fact that he has the backing of many conservatives, Marquette University political scientist Charles Franklin says whether that support carries over on major votes remains to be seen.
“The fact that Freedom Caucus members are voting for Ryan for Speaker does not mean they are ready to help move ahead the debt ceiling vote, for example,” Franklin says.
Issues to be resolved in the House of Representative include raising the debt ceiling so the U.S. can avoid default, along with the federal budget. Franklin says the real tests of Ryan’s leadership will come in the next two months, as votes on those issues come up in the House.