Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan says he is open to becoming Speaker of the House if the Republican Party can “move from being an opposition party to a proposition party,” and become a unified conference. Ryan, who is the current Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is a supporter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and a long-term federal highway funding bill. Earlier this year, he said approval of the TPP will allow the U.S. to “write the rules” of the global economy. Politico reports that if Ryan were to become Speaker of the House, it could increase the chances for TPP approval. Ryan gave GOP members until Friday to decide on whether or not the party would unify in support of Ryan as House Speaker.
If Ryan should choose not to seek the Speakership, Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway is still considered towards the top of a long list of candidates.
