New Speaker Johnson projects unity, expects 'aggressive' schedule

Speaker Mike Johnson took the oath of office and a victory lap upon formally clinching the speaker's gavel, calling on the passage of conservative priorities while also emphasizing bipartisanship.

"I want to say to the American people…we hear you. We know the challenges you're facing. We know there's a lot going on in our country," Johnson said in his acceptance speech. "Our mission here is to serve you well."

Johnson laid out concerns over unauthorized border crossings, the mushrooming national debt and more, sparking applause from Republicans in the chamber and silence from seated Democrats.

"We're going to fight. We're going to fight vigorously over our core principles," Johnson said.

Johnson said the first piece of legislation the House would move is a resolution in support of Israel as it battles Hamas in a growing war in the Gaza Strip, which the group controls. And more broadly, Johnson touted his belief in "peace through strength," also referencing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Turmoil and violence have rocked the Middle East and Eastern Europe," he said. "The country demands strong leadership of this body, and we must not waver."

"Let the enemies of freedom around the world hear us loud and clear," Johnson concluded. "The People's House is back in business."

Moments after Rep. Mike Johnson was elected speaker, a new sign with his name was installed outside the speaker's office in the Capitol.

The sign bearing former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's name was removed at some point Tuesday evening.

-ABC's Lauren Peller and Mariam Khan

Rep. Mike Johnson called it the "honor of a lifetime" to win the House speakership in a 220-209 vote after three weeks without a permanent speaker.

"Thank you to my colleagues, friends, staff, and family for the unmatched support throughout this process," he wrote in a statement posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent. The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance. Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work."

Forecasting the work ahead, Johnson said he would work to "advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad."

Rep. Mike Johnson will be the least-experienced House speaker in more than a century.

Having only served in Congress since early 2017, Johnson has the least experience in Congress of any speaker in the last 140 years.

At 51 years old, he is also the third-youngest speaker since 1900.

-ABC News' Ben Siegel