Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are 'ready to deliver' on Trump's agenda

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that Republicans are “ready to deliver” President-elect Donald Trump's agenda after his election victory, insisting the GOP won't make the mistakes of last time and will be much better prepared for a second-term Trump White House.

Standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with the House GOP leadership team, the speaker said there would be no time wasted before work begins on Trump's “America First” agenda of securing the southern border, projecting strength on the world stage and ending “wokeness and radical gender ideology.” He expects Republicans will lead a unified government, even though House control is still too early to call.

“We are ready to deliver on America's mandate,” said Johnson.

“We will be ready day one. We are prepared this time.”

With the Capitol as a backdrop, he said, “We’re going to raise an ‘America First’ banner above this place."

Trump will meet with Johnson at the Capitol on Wednesday while the president-elect is in town for his visit to the White House, and Johnson said he will be spending the weekend with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida as they prepare for the new year.

Congress returned Tuesday to a changed Washington as Trump’s hard-right agenda is quickly taking shape, buoyed by eager Republican allies eyeing a full sweep of power on Capitol Hill while Democrats are sorting out what went wrong.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who saw his party's control of the chamber vanquished by Republicans, said the election wasn't what many Democrats had hoped for, but he would speak with Trump soon.

"We should regard this election not merely as a defeat, but more importantly as a challenge,” he said.

Even as final election results are still being tallied, the House and Senate leadership is pushing ahead toward a second-term Trump White House and what he's called a mandate for governing, with mass deportations, industry deregulation and wholesale reductions in the federal government.

Trump is already testing the norms of governance during this presidential transition period — telling the Senate to forgo its advise-and-consent role and simply allow recess appointments of his Cabinet nominees — and he is staffing his administration and finding lawmakers willing to bend those civic traditions.

“Trump’s going to deliver his deportations, the drilling, the wall — it’s going to take all of us getting together,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a conservative member of the House Freedom Caucus.

But first, the House and Senate leaders will hold internal party elections this week for their own jobs. Most of the top Republican leaders depend on Trump for their political livelihoods and have worked to draw closer to the president-elect to shore up loyalty.

In the Senate, the leadership race to replace outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell is turning into a test of Trump loyalties, with the president-elect’s allies — including billionaire Elon Musk and Make America Great Again influencers — pushing the senators to elect Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.

But Scott has not been the most popular candidate for the leadership post, and senators had been rallying around the two “Johns” — Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking GOP leader, and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.

All three Republican senators vying to replace McConnell have rushed to agree with Trump’s plan for quick confirmation of presidential nominees. The outcome of Wednesday’s private balloting behind closed doors is highly uncertain.

In the House, Johnson wants to retain the speaker’s gavel and told colleagues in a letter last week he is ready to “take the field” with them to deliver on Trump’s agenda. But he is expected to face detractors behind closed doors.

While Johnson only needs a simple majority during Wednesday’s private voting to become the GOP nominee to be speaker, he will need a 218-member majority in January during a floor vote of the whole House.

A low vote total this week would show the leverage Freedom Caucus members and others have to pry concessions from Johnson, much as they forced then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy into a prolonged vote for the gavel in 2023.

Johnson’s troubles stem in part from his slim numbers, which are narrowing as Trump taps House Republicans to fill his administration. Trump has already asked Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to be ambassador to the United Nations and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., to be his national security adviser.

The speaker said he doesn't expect more departures and Trump “fully understands and appreciates the math here.”

All told, it’s a fundamental reshaping of not only the power centers in Washington, but the rules of governing, as Trump returns to the White House in January with a potential GOP-led Congress that is far less skeptical or wary of his approach than eight years ago, and much more willing to back him.

“This is going to be a very challenging time,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

She described the “horrific immigration policies” that Trump promised voters and she insisted the progressives in Congress will provide an “effective check” on the new White House, much the way Democrats did during his first term by fighting efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and other policies.

At the same time, Jayapal warned Trump will have “many fewer restrictions."

First tests will come during the “lame duck” period of the remaining days of this Congress, the eight-week sprint until Jan. 3, 2025, when the new lawmakers are sworn into office.

In the weeks ahead, Congress faces another deadline, Dec. 20, to fund the federal government or risk a shutdown, and conservatives are redoubling their pressure on Johnson not to cave on their demands to slash spending.

The House and Senate also will consider replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund to help provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

And with President Joe Biden preparing to exit and Democrats relinquishing their hold on the Senate, there will be pressure to confirm more judicial nominees and to usher out the door any other bills that could possibly become law before Trump takes over.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Farnoush Amiri, Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks at a GOP press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., joined from left by Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., touts Republican wins as he meets with reporters on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Congress returns to work this week to begin what is known as a lame-duck session, that period between Election Day and the end of the two-year congressional term. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., flanked by Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., left, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., touts Republican wins as he meets with reporters on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Congress returns to work this week to begin what is known as a lame-duck session, that period between Election Day and the end of the two-year congressional term. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House Republican leaders, from left, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, arrive to tout Republican wins and meet with reporters on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Congress returns to work this week to begin what is known as a lame-duck session — that period between Election Day and the end of the two-year congressional term. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., touts Republican wins as he meets with reporters on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Congress returns to work this week to begin what is known as a lame-duck session — that period between Election Day and the end of the two-year congressional term. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

FILE - The U.S. Capitol is seen from Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.

Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson go head-to-head for first place. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes renew their rivalry. Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels start theirs.

Big-time quarterback matchups highlight the NFL’s Week 11 schedule.

Wilson and the Steelers (7-2) host two-time MVP Jackson and the Ravens (7-3) in a showdown in the AFC North on Sunday. Then Mahomes and the undefeated Chiefs (9-0) take on Allen and the AFC East-leading Bills (8-2) in a playoff rematch.

The NFC East lead is at stake when the Commanders (7-3) and Eagles (7-2) kick off the week on Thursday night.

Five road teams are favorites, including Baltimore, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Pro Picks seeks another winning week.

Line: 49ers minus 6 1/2

The Seahawks haven’t defeated the 49ers since Wilson was their quarterback in 2021. San Francisco has won six straight in the series, including a playoff victory. Seattle is a long way from its 3-0 start under rookie coach Mike Macdonald. The Seahawks are coming off a bye, and they have the NFL’s No. 1 passing offense behind Geno Smith but their defense is bottom third. The 49ers just got Christian McCaffrey back last week and this is the time of year when they go on a run. They were 9-0 after a bye in 2022, 6-0 after it last season and started 1-0 with last week’s win in Tampa Bay. Brock Purdy had an excellent game against the Buccaneers and is 5-0 with a passer rating above 115 against the Seahawks.

BEST BET: 49ERS: 31-20

Line: Chargers minus 1 1/2

Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals had a shot to knock off the Ravens last week, but blew a 14-point lead and then couldn’t convert a 2-point conversion at the end. Burrow is playing his best football but has a tough challenge against a defense that has two straight games of six sacks or more. The Chargers are giving up the fewest points per game (13.1) and Justin Herbert has benefited from a strong rushing attack. The Chargers are 3-0 against the spread as a home favorite. The Bengals are 2-1 ATS as an underdog.

UPSET SPECIAL: BENGALS: 23-20

Line: Eagles minus 3 1/2

The NFC East lead is on the line when Jalen Hurts and the Eagles seek their sixth straight win. Philadelphia has the league’s No. 2 defense and No. 6 offense. Saquon Barkley leads the NFL’s second-best rushing attack. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels and first-year coach Dan Quinn have led a major turnaround in Washington. The Commanders’ offense is fourth in yards and second in scoring at 29 points per game. Washington gave up 28 points in a loss to the Steelers and need to rebound against a dynamic offense.

EAGLES: 29-24

Line: Packers minus 6 1/2

Fresh off a bye, the Packers seek their first NFC North victory after losing to the two teams ahead of the them: Detroit and Minnesota. Jordan Love has thrown 10 picks in 240 attempts. Caleb Williams has struggled during a three-game losing streak and the Bears fired their offensive coordinator this week. Maybe a fresh voice can help Williams get going. Green Bay is 10-0 against the spread in the past 10 games vs. Chicago. The Bears are 2-13 straight up in the past 15 divisional games.

PACKERS: 24-16

Line: Lions minus 14

The Lions found a way to win a difficult road game in Houston despite Jared Goff’s five interceptions. With tougher games coming up, they can’t afford a letdown against the overmatched Jaguars. Jacksonville might be the biggest disappointment in the league this season. The Jaguars are 1-6 in one-score games and have lost 13 of 16 since an 8-3 start last year after winning their division in 2022. Mascot Jaxson De Ville might be the team’s MVP.

LIONS: 31-16

Line: Vikings minus 6

Sam Darnold is starting to show why he’s on his fourth team, but the Vikings are still winning thanks to a stout defense. Darnold has five interceptions in the past two games and is tied with Love and Geno Smith for the most interceptions in the NFL with 10. Will Levis returned from injury and had his best game for the Titans in another loss. Tennessee still has the top-ranked defense in the league, giving up the fewest yards per game.

VIKINGS: 23-16

Line: Dolphins minus 8

Miami’s offense is almost back on track with Tua Tagovailoa and the defense stepped up in a road win against the Rams on Monday night. The Dolphins can climb back into the AFC wild-card race with two winnable games coming up against the lowly Raiders and the Patriots. Las Vegas returns from a bye with three new assistant coaches. The Raiders have bigger issues. The offense can’t score and the defense can’t stop opponents from finding the end zone. A short week for Miami off a West Coast game prevents a rout.

DOLPHINS: 23-16

Line: Rams minus 4 1/2

The inconsistent Rams blew a chance to better position themselves for a playoff run with a home loss to Miami. They’ve got an opportunity to rebound against an overmatched team that’s coming off an impressive road win. Drake Maye has been a bright spot for the Patriots and earned his first win as a starter in Chicago. New England sacked Caleb Williams nine times and could make it a long afternoon for Matthew Stafford.

RAMS: 24-17

Line: Saints minus 1

Jameis Winston returns to New Orleans where he started 10 games in four seasons with the Saints. Winston excelled while leading the Browns to an upset win over the Ravens in his first start and struggled in his second. The Browns are coming off a bye and aren’t as bad as their record. The Saints upset the first-place Falcons in interim coach Darren Rizzi’s debut. They haven’t turned the ball over in three games, though only won once. Cleveland’s Nick Chubb could have a breakout game against a bottom-six run defense in his fourth game back.

BROWNS: 20-17

Line: Jets minus 3 1/2

The Colts are going back to Anthony Richardson after Joe Flacco had six turnovers, including four interceptions, in the past two games. Cornerback Kenny Moore doesn’t think his teammates are working hard enough. The Jets are more of a mess. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t made an impact. The offense is 26th in yards and averaging just 17.7 points per game. New York’s defense has gone downhill since Robert Saleh was fired. Someone has to win, though.

JETS: 17-16

Line: Ravens minus 3

The Steelers have dominated this rivalry, winning seven of the past eight games. Wilson gets his first taste of it after leading Pittsburgh to three straight wins in his first three games. The Ravens have the No. 1 rushing offense and are first overall in total yards. But the Steelers are fourth against the run. Jackson is 2-4 with four TDs, seven interceptions and a 66.8 passer rating against Baltimore. The Ravens are 1-5 ATS in their past six games vs. Steelers.

RAVENS: 24-23

Line: Broncos minus 2 1/2

The Falcons couldn’t overcome Younghoe Koo’s three missed field goals in New Orleans. Now, Kirk Cousins and the rest of Atlanta’s offense face a tough challenge in Denver against the league’s fifth-ranked defense. Bo Nix outplayed Mahomes last week and should have plenty of time to throw facing the league’s worst pass rush. Sean Payton has to make sure the Broncos aren’t sulking after a crushing loss in Kansas City.

BRONCOS: 24-20

Line: Bills minus 2 1/2

The Chiefs barely stayed undefeated thanks to a blocked field goal on the final play against Denver. Their plus-58 point differential is the lowest of any of the 34 teams that have started 9-0. But Patrick Mahomes relishes the underdog role. The Chiefs have won five straight games as underdogs, including a victory at San Francisco in Week 7. Mahomes is 11-3 during his career as a underdog. The Bills are off to their best start since 1993 thanks to feasting on teams with a combined record of 26-49. Josh Allen is 3-1 against Mahomes in the regular season, 0-3 in the playoffs, including a home loss in the divisional round last January.

CHIEFS: 22-20

Line: Texans minus 7 1/2

The Texans blew a 16-point lead against Detroit and failed to take advantage of five picks. C.J. Stroud needs to get the offense going and could get help if receiver Nico Collins returns. Houston won’t need to score many points against Dallas, which won’t have Dak Prescott for the rest of the season. The Cowboys can’t run the ball and that makes everything more difficult for backup QB Cooper Rush. Micah Parsons is the only one who could keep Dallas from another 20-point loss.

TEXANS: 27-16

Last week: Straight up: 10-4. Against spread: 9-5.

Overall: Straight up: 104-48. Against spread: 81-69-2.

Prime-time: Straight up: 22-10. Against spread: 15-16-1.

Best Bet: Straight up: 7-3. Against spread: 6-4.

Upset Special: Straight up: 7-3. Against spread: 7-3.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tlooks to throw a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Graphic shows NFL team matchups and predicts the winners in this week’s action.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes smiles following an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 16-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)