Former Representative Denver Riggleman (R-Va.) has forecast a chaotic beginning for the Republican-led House of Representatives, anticipating significant challenges in electing a Speaker and passing legislation. His stark assessment comes as the new Congress prepares to convene.
Riggleman, speaking on Bloomberg's "Balance Of Power," described the upcoming legislative process as "miserable," highlighting potential difficulties in retaining Speaker Mike Johnson, despite Donald Trump's endorsement. He suggested a protracted battle could ensue even before any policy debates begin.
He further elaborated, stating that the process of electing a Speaker could become a drawn-out affair, separate from the difficulties of passing any bills. Riggleman's strong language on the expected legislative process, was noted during the interview, prompting a brief, light-hearted exchange about his choice of words.
Riggleman, who served in Congress from 2019 to 2021, has previously stated his departure from the Republican Party, citing its shift away from traditional conservative principles and toward what he described as a "cult of personality" around Donald Trump. He publicly supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
