Steve Scalise U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 1st district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Steve Scalise U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 1st district | Official U.S. House Headshot
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss the House Republicans' agenda for January. He previewed a meeting with DOGE, focusing on reducing federal spending and enhancing government efficiency.
Scalise expressed optimism about collaborating with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. "I'm very optimistic," he said, highlighting efforts to cut government waste and inefficiencies. He noted that many federal employees are still not returning to work post-COVID, causing delays in services like passport renewals and tax returns.
Discussing the narrow Republican majority in the House, Scalise stated, "We're going to settle in probably at 221 Republicans." Despite tight margins, he emphasized ongoing collaboration with President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Thune to deliver results for Americans.
Scalise also addressed preparations for January, emphasizing unity among Republicans despite differing views within the party. "We're all in this together or it doesn't happen," he said, stressing collective action on issues like energy costs and border security.
Regarding committee leadership changes, Scalise mentioned candidates vying for chair positions following retirements. He praised potential leaders such as Andy Barr and French Hill for their capabilities.
On President Trump's cabinet selections, Scalise acknowledged a mix of traditional and unconventional choices from various backgrounds. He encouraged open-mindedness towards these picks as they engage with senators.
Finally, Scalise commended Speaker Johnson's leadership within the Republican Conference. He highlighted successful legislative achievements under Johnson's guidance while acknowledging internal challenges but underscoring commitment to delivering results for Americans.
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