Mike Johnson releases list of spending cut promises to secure gavel

• As recently as Friday morning, several GOP hardliners had said they wouldn't vote for Johnson's reelection that afternoon.
• But going into the chamber, several detractors signaled they are ready to support him – in large part because of Johnson's promises on spending, a GOP source familiar with the matter told Axios.

What he's saying: "The American people have demanded an end to the status quo, and a return to fiscal sanity ... if we don't follow through on our campaign promise for fiscal responsibility, we don't deserve to hold power," Johnson said in a post on X.

• Johnson promised a working group made up of "independent experts" to work with Congress and the Department of Government Efficiency on "spending reforms to protect the American taxpayer."
• He said the panel will review existing audits of federal spending and issue a report to his office.

• He also said House committees will mount an "aggressive" review of government agencies' spending.

Between the lines: None of these commitments appear to box Johnson — or any of his more moderate members — into an unworkable position.

• Should Johnson secure reelection Friday, his commitments likely will run parallel to his efforts to pass President-elect Trump's agenda.