Republicans Face Speaker Battle Ahead of Trump's Certification

House Republicans are expressing concern that an internal rebellion against Speaker Mike Johnson could delay the certification of President-elect Donald Trump's Electoral College victory on January 6, 2025. The election of a new House Speaker, scheduled for January 3, is critical, as the House cannot proceed with any business, including swearing in new members and certifying the election, until a Speaker is chosen. This situation echoes a similar protracted battle in 2023 when it took multiple votes to elect a Speaker, which could result in significant delays. Some Republicans are urging Trump to publicly support Johnson to avoid such a scenario, emphasizing that without a Speaker, the certification process cannot be completed. Vice President Kamala Harris, who will oversee the January 6 session, has stated her role is ceremonial and she will not interfere. The situation remains tense as GOP infighting continues over government funding and other issues, potentially impacting Johnson's hold on the Speakership.