House and Senate Leaders Picture Unified GOP Government at RNC Night Two

MILWAUKEE — The Republican National Convention’s second night witnessed fervent appeals from the U.S. House Republican leadership. They urged the party base to bolster their ranks in the upcoming November elections, promising that a stronger Republican majority would pave the way for more conservative legislation.

Currently, the GOP’s slender advantage of seven seats over the Democrats has constrained their legislative endeavors. However, this paradigm could shift if Republican candidates receive broader voter support in the forthcoming elections.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that the nation has transcended a mere political rivalry. “We’re now in a struggle between two completely different visions of America,” Johnson proclaimed. He reaffirmed the Republican Party’s commitment to the foundational truths that, according to him, made America remarkable.

Johnson voiced concerns about the jeopardy facing these long-held principles. “Basic things we once took for granted are being openly challenged like never before,” he asserted.

Moreover, Johnson addressed the attempted assassination of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Over the weekend, a gunman targeted Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. He assured that an immediate and thorough investigation is underway. “The American people deserve to know the truth, and we will ensure accountability,” he stated.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise recounted his personal ordeal from 2017 when he survived a politically motivated shooting. “While fighting for my life, Donald Trump was one of the first to console my family,” Scalise recalled, highlighting Trump’s compassionate leadership. Scalise rallied for Trump’s return to the White House, urging, “Let’s put Donald Trump back in the White House this November.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer emphasized that, despite having one of the smallest majorities in history, House Republicans have managed to hold the line. He pointed out several bills passed since January 2023, though many have stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Emmer expressed confidence in a Republican resurgence. “When we grow our majority, flip the Senate, and send President Donald J. Trump back to the White House, we will turn America First principles into law,” he declared. Emmer predicted that the GOP could turn Minnesota red for the first time in 50 years.

The event also showcased GOP Senate hopefuls. Tim Sheehy of Montana criticized incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, labeling him “a rubber stamp for Biden’s failed presidency.” Bernie Moreno, challenging Ohio’s Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, called for the ousting of “failed lifelong politicians.” David McCormick targeted Pennsylvania’s long-serving Democrat Bob Casey, labeling him ineffective.

In Nevada, GOP candidate Sam Brown argued that the Biden-Harris economy has been detrimental, contrasting it with the fortunes of wealthy legislators like Sen. Jacky Rosen. He accused them of tax evasion while burdening Nevadans with high inflation.

Arizona’s Senate hopeful, Kari Lake, highlighted border security issues and criticized media coverage. “Democrats have handed control of Arizona’s border to the drug cartels,” she stated, blaming them for the influx of criminals and deadly drugs.

Lia Chien contributed to this report.