News

November 3, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the Embassy of Japan that the Government of Japan will confer the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon him in recognition of his significant contributions to the Japan-U.S. relationship:

“One of the great memories of my Speakership was the day I had the high honor of welcoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Capitol as the first Japanese leader to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress.  We will never forget his tribute to the heroes who fell in World War II, or to the vision of lasting friendship, security, and economic opportunity he put forth that day for our two countries.  I will also always be personally grateful for the economic partnership between our two countries, a mutually beneficial relationship that supported thousands of good jobs in our congressional district during my time in office, and continues today.  I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this recognition by our friends and allies in Japan, and look forward to continuing to work with Prime Minister Abe and many others to further strengthen the already critical alliance between our two great nations.”

NOTE: Accepting an historic invitation offered by Speaker Boehner, Japanese Prime Minister Abe on April 29, 2015 became the first Japanese leader in history to address a Joint Meeting of the U.S. Congress.  Prime Minister Abe’s address can be viewed here.  Boehner represented the 8^th Congressional District of Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 25 years.  Japanese companies for years have been the source of thousands of jobs for U.S. workers in the 8^th District, and currently employ approximately 74,000 Ohioans across the former Speaker’s home state.

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October 4, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement regarding the narrow defeat of an agreement in a national referendum Sunday in Colombia that would have brought a decades-old Marxist insurgency to a peaceful end:

“The champions of Peace Colombia may have lost Sunday’s vote, but they have won the admiration of people in our country and throughout the world with their commitment to a unified, free and prosperous nation.  It is more important now than ever that the United States stand with President Santos and all those in Colombia who strive for peace.  With the outcome of Sunday’s vote, we see now the full scope of the challenge they have undertaken.  It is a noble and vital pursuit, and one in which all the nations of the Americas have a stake.  For the sake of prosperity and security of our hemisphere, it is a quest that must continue and ultimately succeed.  The United States must  now be more active than ever before in its partnership with President Santos and the people of the strong and stable democracy that is Colombia.”

NOTE: Boehner developed a special bond with Colombia during his nearly five years as Speaker, securing enactment of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, visiting President Santos in Bogota and Cartagena, and hosting the Colombian president at the U.S. Capitol.  He was honored at the Colombian Embassy in Washington, D.C. earlier this year for his efforts to promote and strengthen the special relationship between the U.S. and Colombia during his years as Speaker.

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July 23, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today kicked off a six-week cross-country bus tour aboard “Freedom One,” a 45-foot motor coach, in support of the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

 “The country needs Speaker Paul Ryan and a conservative majority in the People’s House,” Speaker Boehner said, praising the detailed policy agenda put forth by House Republicans last month.  “We earned the majority in the House together in 2010, and it’s important for the nation that Republicans keep it.”

During the bus tour, the former Speaker will campaign on behalf of more than 20 House Republican Members, including Reps. Chris Collins (R-NY), David Joyce (R-OH), Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Dave Trott (R-MI).  States the former Speaker will visit during the tour include Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

 The Boehner bus tour, modeled after the bus trips that became an annual August ritual for him during his days as House Republican Leader and later Speaker, begins July 23 in New Jersey and will travel as far west as Washington State, concluding shortly before Labor Day. 

 Freedom One’s itinerary includes events organized in coordination with the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).  The tour is being financed by the Freedom Project, Boehner’s still-active political action committee (PAC).  The former speaker and his team will use social media to provide updates from the road as Freedom One makes its way across the country.

 Boehner, who supports the GOP presidential ticket, is focusing his efforts this summer on the House majority, as he did in previous cycles during his days in the House leadership.

 “Speaker Boehner may no longer be in office, but he still feels strongly about defending the majority that was earned during his time in office,” said Boehner spokesman Dave Schnittger. “It will always be his priority.”

“The August bus tours got into Boehner’s bloodstream during his years in the House,” Schnittger said.  “He enjoyed getting out beyond the Beltway, visiting colleagues’ districts, and talking to people around the country.  That still holds true for him now, as a former speaker, and he wants to continue to contribute to the cause.”

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July 15, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump’s decision to name Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) as his running mate for the 2016 presidential campaign:

“Governor Mike Pence is an exceptional leader, and an even better man. As chairman of the House Republican Conference during a critical time for our country, he played a key role in helping us earn the majority in the House.  And with his heart, honesty, and integrity, he won the trust and respect of everyone with whom he served.  I’ll always be grateful for his friendship; his loyalty to the team and the cause during his years in the House; and the relationship we continued to have after the people of Indiana chose him as their Governor.  I congratulate Mike, Karen and their family.”

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June 28, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement today on the release of the investigative report by the House Select Committee on Benghazi:

 “I commend Chairman Gowdy and the Members and staff of the Select Committee for putting forth a serious, thorough, fact-centered report with new information that casts new light on the events immediately before, during and after the tragedy in Benghazi that claimed the lives of four Americans.  I urge all Americans to read the Select Committee’s report and consider its contents in a manner that reflects the seriousness of the subject matter and the rights of the families of the fallen. 

 “Without the work of the Select Committee and its Members and staff, culminating in this important report, the American people would have been denied the truth about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four of our countrymen and the courageous efforts of so many others who were on the ground that night.  Thanks to Chairman Gowdy and his members and staff, the American people now have the facts to make their own informed judgements, via an investigation that has honored the fallen and the cause for which they gave their lives.”

NOTE: On May 8, 2014, then-Speaker Boehner asked House Members to create a select committee to investigate the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya that claimed the lives of four Americans.  The creation of the select committee had become necessary after revelations that the White House had attempted to conceal information from investigations being conducted by the standing committees of the House, and had defied congressional subpoenas issued in those investigations.  “This doesn’t need to be, shouldn’t be, and will not be a partisan process,” Boehner said at the time.  “Four Americans died at the hands of terrorists in a well-coordinated assault.  And we will not take any shortcuts to the truth, accountability, or justice.”

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June 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement on the passing of former Governor and U.S. Senator George Voinovich (R-OH):

“George Voinovich will be remembered for a career of public service marked by courage and compassion. Elected as Ohio’s governor on the same day I was elected to the U.S. House, George was a remarkable leader and a truly good and decent man who was unafraid to endure criticism for the sake of causes he believed were just. He made a profound impact on the lives of countless Ohioans and established a standard of leadership for which public servants of all political stripes from the Buckeye State will strive for generations to come. Debbie and I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Janet and the Voinovich family.”

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June 7, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on Warren Davidson’s victory today in the special election for Ohio’s 8th Congressional District seat:

 “I congratulate Warren Davidson on his election to the U.S. House.  As I said months ago after Warren’s victory in the GOP primary, the voters of the 8th District have chosen someone who can be counted on to continue the fight for a smaller, less costly, more accountable federal government.  I know Warren will serve the people of the 8th District honorably, as he served our country honorably in the U.S. Army.  Debbie and I extend our sincere congratulations to him and Lisa, and wish them the very best.”

 Boehner represented the 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2015, serving as House Speaker from 2011 to 2015.

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May 15, 2016

SOUTH BEND, IN — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today addressed the commencement ceremony of the University of Notre Dame and gave brief remarks to graduates in accepting the university’s Laetare Medal, awarded jointly this year to Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden.  Speaker Boehner’s remarks (as prepared) are below:

Father Jenkins, Vice President Biden, graduates…I’m truly honored and privileged to be standing here today – just a regular guy who used to have a big job. 

It’s been six months now since I left public service. That’s given me some time to reflect. 

And something occurred to me a few months ago about the nature of the difficult task we call governing:

Governing is the art of the possible.

Politicians are constantly being pushed to promise the impossible. And this being a presidential election year, you’ve been hearing a lot of impossible promises.

But governing isn’t about doing the impossible. Governing, at its essence, is the art of the possible. 

Governing requires us to look for common ground where it can be found – without compromising on our principles. 

As Speaker, I always drew a distinction between “compromise” and “common ground,” because I truly believe they are two different things.

My greatest worry about our system is that we will lose the ability to distinguish between the two. 

The fact of the matter is, you can find common ground with the other side without compromising on your principles and core beliefs.

Our democracy, in fact, requires it from time to time.

And our system of government would break down completely if not for people on both sides of the fence who understand that distinction.

Ladies and gentlemen, Vice President Joe Biden is one of those people. 

Joe and I disagreed on many things during my time in office. Make no mistake about it. 

But even as we disagreed, we always understood the need to keep looking for the things we could agree on.

Mr. Vice President, it’s an honor to share a stage with you again, my friend.

It was almost eight months ago, Joe, that you and I were seated together in the House chamber behind His Holiness, Pope Francis, for the first address ever by a Pope to a Joint Meeting of the United States Congress. 

I tried for more than 20 years to bring a Pope to the U.S. Capitol.

They said it couldn’t be done; he’s not just a head of state, but the head of a Church.  It’s too controversial.

My view was that America could handle it.  And things worked out pretty well. 

As many know, that day also turned out to be the way I closed the book on my speakership and a nearly 25-year run in the U.S. House.

I had already decided I was leaving, but as I recognized only in retrospect, the Holy Spirit, working through Pope Francis, gave me the grace, strength and serenity to proceed with the plan. 

I saw an opportunity to announce my departure in a manner that honored my roots, my upbringing, and my Faith. 

If that isn’t going out on your own terms, I don’t know what is.

And in the 7-8 months since then, I’ve realized what a blessing it was personally, to be able to leave with the peace of mind and confidence that I was doing the Lord’s will. 

“Laetare” means “rejoice.”  There’s really no better word for it.  That’s exactly what I’ve been doing ever since I left the House. . .rejoicing! 

This day really isn’t about me, or Joe.  It’s about the students who today take their final steps as students of this university, and their first steps on the journey that will be the rest of their lives. 

This your day.  We celebrate you, and the remarkable things you’ve achieved, and the awesome things you have the potential to achieve in the future. 

As you begin this journey, recognize that there’s a difference between deciding who you want to be versus what you want to do. 

Career decisions are things you can only grapple with over time.   Character decisions are something you can make right now. 

It’s impossible for you to know what opportunities may present themselves as you travel the roads of your life. 

I certainly didn’t see serving in Congress or becoming Speaker of the House coming when I was working in my dad’s bar, or sweeping up floors as a janitor while I was working to pay my way through college.

But when I walked out of the U.S. Capitol for the last time as speaker, on October 30, 2015, I walked out as pretty much the same guy who walked in the door 25 years earlier.  For better or for worse!

You don’t have to decide what you want to do, but it’s never too early to commit yourself to what you truly believe.

 In fact, it’s far more important to figure out who you want to be.  You can’t possibly predict everything that lies ahead on the journey of life but you can decide now what kind of person you’re going to be and remain.  

I know what I believe: it doesn’t cost anything to be nice. It doesn’t do any good to carry grudges.  It’s always better to be honest with people. 

I knew these things in my own heart long before I embarked on the journey of public service.

Your identity is forged not by what you choose to do, but by how you choose to live your life.

The University of Notre Dame, has witnessed and weathered many changes.

Its very name honors the Blessed Mother.

Its motto is Vita Dulcedo Spes = life, sweetness, hope.  As in “Mary, our life, our sweetness, our hope,” from the Salve Regina prayer offered in the Rosary.

At its very founding, a choice was made to devote this institution to Our Lady.  

This school would go on to become one of the most decorated and respected institutions of higher learning our country.  But the core of its unique, special identity was forged even before then.

I would urge that you cherish this identity, and make absolutely no apologies for bringing it to bear in our world as a force for hope, freedom, and life. 

The University of Notre Dame has never been “just a school.” There are a thousand reasons for this, but they all trace back ultimately to the foundation upon which it was built.

It’s who you are, versus what you do.

Whether we’re talking about a person or an institution, staying true to yourself and what you set out to be is vital.  At the end of the day, it’s what matters most. 

It’s possible to find common ground without compromising on your core beliefs.

What matters most is that we know who we are, and stick to it, no matter where the roads of our life’s journey might take us.

Thank you, graduates, for the privilege of joining you on this day.

I know the Vice President joins me in saying: these medals may dangle from our necks, but this day – this glorious day – is yours.

Thank you, and God Bless You all.

May 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding a ruling announced today by a federal district court in the lawsuit filed by the U.S. House of Representatives regarding unilateral actions taken by the Obama Administration in implementing the president’s health care law:

 “This decision is a victory for the American people, and for House Republicans, who have consistently stood for the rule of law and against the unconstitutional actions taken by the Obama Administration. In the implementation of the health care law and many other significant matters, the Obama Administration has engaged in historic overreach that has exceeded the bounds of the president’s authority and deepened the distrust many Americans feel toward their government.  The president of the United States is not a king or a monarch, with the ability to singlehandedly create or change the laws of our country.  And as I said in 2014 when I first announced that the we would initiate this legal action, the House has a responsibility to ensure the separation of powers in our democratic system remains clear, as the Framers intended.” 

For a timeline of the events that led to today’s court ruling, courtesy of House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), go here.

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March 6, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement in reaction to the news of the passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan:

“Debbie and I are saddened by Mrs. Reagan’s passing, but we take comfort in the knowledge that she and President Reagan are together again.  

“President Reagan was famous for his smile, and Nancy was usually the reason he was smiling.  During her husband’s presidency and the difficult years that followed, Nancy Reagan was a rock of strength and unconditional love, and a leader in her own right on matters close to her heart.  

“One of the great privileges of my days in the House leadership was the opportunity to escort Mrs. Reagan at the unveiling of the statue of her late husband in the United States Capitol.  I witnessed that day the love she felt for America and all she and President Reagan had sacrificed to achieve during their years of public service, and it made a profound impression on me that I carried through the rest of my own time in office.

“May they now both rest in peace in God’s loving arms, reunited for eternity.”