Johnson Takes Helm as Speaker, Faces Defense Bill Compromise with Senate
• Johnson brings experience from serving on the House Armed Services Committee, which will influence how he handles the defense spending fight.
• The House and Senate versions of the defense bill are miles apart over controversial issues like abortion and transgender troops.
• As Speaker, Johnson will need to help craft a compromise between the GOP House bill and the Democrat-controlled Senate.
• Johnson has voted for final passage of the defense bill every year and pledged to pass a compromise version before year's end.
• Johnson may be easier to work with than his predecessor Kevin McCarthy in reaching a deal acceptable to both parties.