New GOP Speaker Mike Johnson says prayer is an appropriate House response to the Maine shootings

By LISA MASCARO, STEPHEN GROVES, FARNOUSH AMIRI and KEVIN FREKING
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — On his first full day as speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson said prayer was a proper response from the House to the Maine shootings. Johnson said “this is a dark time in America,” and that ”prayer is appropriate at a time like this” He declined to take any questions Thursday, including about possible gun violence legislation. More challenges await. By Nov. 17, the Congress must fund the government or risk a shutdown. President Joe Biden wants $105 billion more in aid for Israel and Ukraine. And Republicans want to resume their impeachment inquiry into Biden. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats stand with the people of Maine in every way possible, including discussing how Congress can address gun violence.