PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Before Republican Mike Johnson won reelection to the House speakership on a first ballot Friday, Pacific Northwest lawmakers in D.C. shared their perspectives on the contentious process ahead of the vote and what they expect in the next few years.
"Well, unfortunately, it looks like there will still be some people who are here, not to make good policy, but to make headlines and to blow things up," said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.).
She added the next few years may be rough for Democrats, but this isn't her first time dealing with a Trump-led GOP agenda.
"I was here through the first Trump administration and, yes, it can be challenging," she noted. "But again, I have to find the people who are here for the right reasons, work together and get things done and get through it."
Newly elected Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.) expressed optimism heading into the roll call, saying she knows at least the Democrats are aligned on their pick for minority leader.
"I expect us to work for the American people and get down to business," she said. "So I think we'll do it in one vote."
The speaker’s election has already dominated the opening of the new Congress, which also brings a roster of history-making members. All of this comes as the Senate expects to quickly begin hearings on Trump’s nominees for top Cabinet and administrative positions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
