Speaker Mike Johnson, as many conservatives, has long been critical of the size of the federal workforce and Washington spending on anti-poverty programs.
At the same time, his largely rural Louisiana district has benefited greatly from such federal largesse, including a higher rate of food stamp participation and percentage of federal workers than the country at large.
As the new House leader, Johnson will be one of the major players shaping federal spending, as well as policy decisions such as the reauthorization of farm programs.
Johnson and fellow Republicans are trying to advance appropriations measures for the current fiscal year ...