House Speaker Johnson spoke yesterday at the kickoff of the House Republican policy summit, delivering a wide-ranging address that touched on the party’s legislative agenda, U.S. military action in Venezuela, Democratic opposition, and the sudden passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
Republicans Leading on Tax Policy, Speaker Says
Speaker Johnson emphasized Republican achievements on tax policy, framing the party as the sole defender of working Americans’ financial interests. “Every Democrat voted for record tax increases, while every Republican voted for record tax cuts and refunds to the people,” Johnson said. “There’s only one party actually making life more affordable—it’s the Republican Party.”
The speaker highlighted the House Republican Agenda 250 policy forum, describing it as “efficacious” and “very productive,” with nearly every member in attendance. Johnson praised the conference’s unity and said members are “locked arm in arm” and ready to deliver on their mandate.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has forecast strong economic momentum in 2026. Johnson said Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts will provide significant relief to American households. “Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, all American families are going to receive the largest tax refund they ever have,” Johnson said, adding that without Republican intervention, families would have faced the expiration of Trump-era tax cuts and a projected $5 trillion in new taxes.
Democrats in Disarray Over Venezuela
Johnson sharply criticized House Democrats for their response to the removal of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, who was recently ousted following U.S. action. “House Republicans discussed how we can continue to drive down costs for working families, make our streets and neighborhoods safe, and restore American dominance,” he said. “Meanwhile, House Democrats held an emergency meeting to decide how to respond to the successful ousting of an illegitimate narco-terrorist dictator.”
The speaker said Democrats’ opposition is politically motivated because the operation was carried out during the Trump administration. “They’re going to cut off their own nose to spite their face,” Johnson said.
U.S. Military Action in Venezuela Defended
Johnson defended the constitutionality and execution of the U.S. operation in Venezuela, which targeted Maduro for drug trafficking and crimes against Americans. He emphasized that the military action was swift, precise, and without American casualties. “Our brave military was in and out of Venezuela in two and a half hours, and there wasn’t a single American casualty,” he said.
Addressing legal concerns, Johnson said the War Powers Act requires only notification to Congress within 48 hours of initiating hostilities, which the Trump administration complied with. He said the Constitution grants the president, as Commander in Chief, authority to act against threats to the U.S., a power exercised in this operation.
Tragic Loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa
Johnson also acknowledged the unexpected death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa at age 65. “Doug was a great man, truly a great man,” he said. LaMalfa, a lifelong resident of Northern California, was known for his dedication to constituents, often traveling hundreds of miles to meet with residents in rural areas.
“People would ask him about the wisdom of being on the road so much. And he said, ‘I represent them just as much as I do the people in the big city, and they deserve to have their rep,’” Johnson said. “We loved that spirit about him