by Cami Mondeaux at Washington Examiner
The House swore in its newest member on Monday, bringing the Republican conference back to 218 members and giving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) a bit more breathing room as he navigates his legislative agenda with a historically small majority.
Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA) was sworn into office after lawmakers completed their first votes of the week, bringing the House back to 431 members for the first time since mid-March. With Fong’s presence, the GOP’s slim majority increases from one vote to two, giving the party some more leeway as they look to advance key spending measures over the summer.
“It is my great privilege to stand before you as the representative of the 20th District of the great state of California,” Fong said after being sworn in. “I’m truly honored, humbled, and grateful to be given this opportunity by the voters to serve and be a strong voice for our region.”
Fong’s being sworn in comes two weeks after he defeated Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux for the seat, which was held by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy before he stepped down late last year. The victory allows Fong to represent California’s 20th Congressional District for the remainder of this Congress and gives him an advantage in the general election in November for a full term.
His win also comes as a win for McCarthy, as Fong, once a staffer under McCarthy,…
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