Paul Ryan Elected as New Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Paul Ryan, a Republican representative from Wisconsin, has been elected as the new Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding John Boehner. On Thursday, November 7, he secured the votes of 236 out of 247 Republican representatives in the House. Like many other Republicans, Ryan advocates for stronger pressures on the Islamic Republic and is particularly opposed to Tehran's nuclear program. He previously criticized the nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, stating that while the agreement 'slows Iran's progress toward building a nuclear weapon, it does not prevent it.' Reuters reported that Ryan's main competitor for the position was Daniel Webster, a representative from Florida, who received only four votes. Colin Powell, Secretary of State under George W. Bush, and Jim Cooper, a representative from Tennessee, were also among the Republican candidates, each receiving one vote. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic minority leader, also ran in the election, garnering 184 votes from her party members. The House of Representatives has 435 members, with 247 currently from the Republican Party and 188 from the Democratic Party. This House, alongside the Senate, forms the United States Congress. Paul Ryan is the 62nd Speaker of the House. Ryan paid tribute to John Boehner, who had previously announced his resignation under pressure from the conservative wing of the Republican Party. In his farewell speech, Boehner stated that he leaves his position 'without regret and light-hearted.' The Associated Press also reported that Ryan praised Boehner's performance, describing him as 'a distinguished man and a true class act.' The Democratic minority leader also commended Boehner for his 'dedication to the House and commitment to his values.'