house speaker

Larry Householder's arrest is tied to a racketeering conspiracy, a spokesperson for the federal prosecutor's office said. Four others, including Ohio's former GOP chairman, were also arrested.

When the new Congress convenes, Republican leaders will focus on dismantling Obamacare. The first bill introduced in past congressional sessions gives a timeline of political history.

The GOP leadership elections are a show of unity heading into the new year where Republicans will control both the legislative and executive branches.

Reince Preibus made clear the RNC is fully behind Trump just after Paul Ryan told his members to "do what's best for you in your district" and that he will not defend the GOP nominee any longer.

Lawmakers in Illinois and other states are considering legislation that would lengthen or eliminate statutes of limitations on crimes of sexual abuse of a child.

Don't add House Speaker Paul Ryan to the list of Republicans who are backing de facto GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. "I think he has to do more to unify this party," Ryan said.

The Wisconsin Republican received 236 votes, well above the 218 he needed to become speaker.

A judge set the sentencing date for Feb. 29. Federal prosecutors have recommended up to six months in prison as part of a plea deal that will allow the 73-year-old former congressman to avoid a trial.

The Wisconsin Republican reluctantly said he would run for speaker, but only if the rebellious factions of the House GOP Conference will unite behind him.

Ryan, who has been pressured to run for the speakership by several prominent GOP colleagues, says that if the divided party unites behind him, he will run for House speaker.

McCarthy, the current Majority Leader, had been the favorite ahead of Thursday's closed-door vote by House Republicans.