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Preparing for a New Speaker of the House

Speaker of the House John Boehner is stepping down from his post, which means another Republican has to step up. But who will it be?

We told you about Ohioan John Boehner a couple of weeks back...he's stepping down this week from his job as Speaker of the House. Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, who actually went to college in Ohio at Miami University, is expected to be voted in as the new speaker. 

The 45-year-old has a tough job ahead of him though. As speaker of the house, Representative Ryan will be second in line to the presidency, behind the vice president, should anything happen to the president.

The speaker, who presides over the U.S. House of Representatives, has many duties, including calling the house to order and administering the oath of office to members. He or she also gives members permission to speak on the house floor, and appoints members to various committees.

And here's a fun fact... there are no term limits for speaker of the house. The longest serving speaker was Samuel Rayburn of Texas, who served just over 17 years as speaker.

Instructional Links

Website:  United States House of Representatives: Leadership

http://www.house.gov/leadership/