Rep. Mike Johnson, R-LA, was re-elected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 3 after agreeing to a series of policy demands from a group of holdout GOP lawmakers. Chief among these demands was a commitment to reverse Biden administration policies, including electric vehicle mandates.
In a letter addressed to Johnson prior to the vote, 11 Republican lawmakers outlined their conditions, emphasizing the need to address what they called “disastrous and expensive” policies. The demands included reversing EV mandates, rolling back Green New Deal subsidies, halting student loan bailouts, and reducing subsidies for certain food programs.
“These policies are not only inflationary but also a burden on taxpayers,” the letter stated. “We must unleash American energy and prioritize fiscal responsibility.”
Johnson’s leadership in the 119th Congress may face significant challenges, as under the new House rules, a motion to vacate the speakership can be triggered by just nine lawmaker -- making his position a fragile one, given the diverse priorities within the Republican caucus.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) was quick to engage the new Congress. The association’s Government Affairs team spent the first day of the session meeting with lawmakers and staff from more than two dozen offices, including both freshmen and seasoned legislators. SEMA’s advocacy efforts aim to protect and promote the automotive aftermarket industry, particularly amid ongoing policy debates about EV mandates and emissions regulations.
