WASHINGTON

A look at Speaker Paul Ryan's political career

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announces he will not run for reelection in 2018 but will serve out his term during a press conference in the US Capitol in Washington on April 11, 2018. Ryan said that he was proud of his accomplishments but he wanted to be able to spend more time with his wife and teenage children.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announces he will not run for reelection in 2018 but will serve out his term during a press conference in the US Capitol in Washington on April 11, 2018. Ryan said that he was proud of his accomplishments but he wanted to be able to spend more time with his wife and teenage children.
SHAWN THEW, EPA-EFE
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) responds to a question from the news media during a press conference about the upcoming spending bill vote in the Capitol in Washington on March 22, 2018. The house was planning to vote on the 1.3 trillion US dollars, 2,232-page 'omnibus' spending bill today so the Senate could take it up before a possible government shutdown.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) responds to a question from the news media during a press conference about the upcoming spending bill vote in the Capitol in Washington on March 22, 2018. The house was planning to vote on the 1.3 trillion US dollars, 2,232-page 'omnibus' spending bill today so the Senate could take it up before a possible government shutdown.
SHAWN THEW, EPA-EFE
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (C) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (L) listen to remarks during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the Office of Strategic Services in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington on March 21, 2018. Leaders of the US House and Senate presented a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) for their historic contributions during World War II.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (C) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (L) listen to remarks during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the Office of Strategic Services in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington on March 21, 2018. Leaders of the US House and Senate presented a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) for their historic contributions during World War II.
SHAWN THEW, EPA-EFE
Paul Ryan greets President Donald Trump to speak to the National Republican Congressional Committee March Dinner, at the National Building Museum, March 20, 2018, in Washington.
Paul Ryan greets President Donald Trump to speak to the National Republican Congressional Committee March Dinner, at the National Building Museum, March 20, 2018, in Washington.
EVAN VUCCI, AP
Paul Ryan holds up a pint of Guinness as he proposes a toast during the Friends of Ireland luncheon at the United States Capitol March 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. . The Taoiseach is visiting as part of the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Paul Ryan holds up a pint of Guinness as he proposes a toast during the Friends of Ireland luncheon at the United States Capitol March 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. . The Taoiseach is visiting as part of the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
POOL PHOTO BY ALEX EDELMAN
Paul Ryan, joined at left by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., meets with reporters following a GOP strategy session, at the Capitol in Washington, March 14, 2018. With the Democrat edging past the Republican in the Pennsylvania special election in a Trump-heavy district, Ryan fielded questions on whether it was a wake-up call for the November midterms.
Paul Ryan, joined at left by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., meets with reporters following a GOP strategy session, at the Capitol in Washington, March 14, 2018. With the Democrat edging past the Republican in the Pennsylvania special election in a Trump-heavy district, Ryan fielded questions on whether it was a wake-up call for the November midterms.
J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE, AP
Paul Ryan responds to a question from the news media during a press conference on military readiness and spending in the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Feb. 8, 2018. The Senate will vote today on a two year budget deal, that will then go to the House for their up or down vote with a government shutdown in the balance.
Paul Ryan responds to a question from the news media during a press conference on military readiness and spending in the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Feb. 8, 2018. The Senate will vote today on a two year budget deal, that will then go to the House for their up or down vote with a government shutdown in the balance.
SHAWN THEW, EPA-EFE
Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) hold a news briefing during the 2018 House & Senate Republican Member Conference Feb/ 1, 2018 at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Congressional Republicans gather at their annual retreat, hosted by the Congressional Institute, to discuss legislative agenda for the year.
Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) hold a news briefing during the 2018 House & Senate Republican Member Conference Feb/ 1, 2018 at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Congressional Republicans gather at their annual retreat, hosted by the Congressional Institute, to discuss legislative agenda for the year.
ALEX WONG, GETTY IMAGES
President Trump greets Paul Ryan before delivering the State of the Union address on Jan. 30, 2018 from the House chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington.
President Trump greets Paul Ryan before delivering the State of the Union address on Jan. 30, 2018 from the House chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington.
JASPER COLT, USA TODAY
The signatures of Paul Ryan and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, foreground can be seen as Ryan, left, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, second from left, congratulate each other after signing the final version of the GOP tax bill during an enrollment ceremony at the Capitol in Washington on Dec. 21, 2017.
The signatures of Paul Ryan and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, foreground can be seen as Ryan, left, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, second from left, congratulate each other after signing the final version of the GOP tax bill during an enrollment ceremony at the Capitol in Washington on Dec. 21, 2017.
ANDREW HARNIK, AP
Paul Ryan along with other House Republicans, speaks about the GOP tax overhaul in the Longworth House Office Building in Washington on Nov. 2, 2017. The plan seeks up to six trillion dollars in tax cuts over 10 years.
Paul Ryan along with other House Republicans, speaks about the GOP tax overhaul in the Longworth House Office Building in Washington on Nov. 2, 2017. The plan seeks up to six trillion dollars in tax cuts over 10 years.
JIM LO SCALZO, EPA-EFE
Paul Ryan uses a monitor to give a presentation on a Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with the American Health Care Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 9, 2017.
Paul Ryan uses a monitor to give a presentation on a Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with the American Health Care Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 9, 2017.
MICHAEL REYNOLDS, EPA
Ryan speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill on July 25, 2017.
Ryan speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill on July 25, 2017.
Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP
President Trump shakes hands with Ryan before a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on June 6, 2017.
President Trump shakes hands with Ryan before a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on June 6, 2017.
Olivier Douliery, Pool/European Pressphoto Agency
Ryan walks past a bank of television cameras on his way to a meeting with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and members of the House at the U.S. Capitol on May 19, 2017.
Ryan walks past a bank of television cameras on his way to a meeting with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and members of the House at the U.S. Capitol on May 19, 2017.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Ryan embraces Karen Handel, the Republican candidate for Georgia's 6th district special election, as he campaigns for her at an event in Dunwoody, Ga., on May 15, 2017.
Ryan embraces Karen Handel, the Republican candidate for Georgia's 6th district special election, as he campaigns for her at an event in Dunwoody, Ga., on May 15, 2017.
David Goldman, AP
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson looks up at the ornate ceiling as he walks with Ryan in the Foreign Office on April 20, 2017, in London.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson looks up at the ornate ceiling as he walks with Ryan in the Foreign Office on April 20, 2017, in London.
Pool, Getty Images
Ryan finishes a news conference on Capitol Hill on April 4, 2017.
Ryan finishes a news conference on Capitol Hill on April 4, 2017.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan speaks to the media about the cancellation of the health care vote on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2017.
Ryan speaks to the media about the cancellation of the health care vote on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2017.
Cliff Owen, AP
Ryan gives a presentation on the Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act on Capitol Hill on March 9, 2017.
Ryan gives a presentation on the Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act on Capitol Hill on March 9, 2017.
Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency
Ryan talks with Vice President Pence on Capitol Hill on Feb. 28, 2017, before President Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress.
Ryan talks with Vice President Pence on Capitol Hill on Feb. 28, 2017, before President Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP
President Trump shakes hands with Ryan while Vice President Pence looks on during a luncheon at the GOP congressional retreat on Jan. 26, 2017, in Philadelphia.
President Trump shakes hands with Ryan while Vice President Pence looks on during a luncheon at the GOP congressional retreat on Jan. 26, 2017, in Philadelphia.
Bill Clark, Pool/Getty Images
Ryan speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill on Dec. 8, 2016.
Ryan speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill on Dec. 8, 2016.
Cliff Owen, AP
President-elect Donald Trump and Ryan pose for photographers after a meeting in the Speaker's office on Capitol Hill on Nov. 10, 2016.
President-elect Donald Trump and Ryan pose for photographers after a meeting in the Speaker's office on Capitol Hill on Nov. 10, 2016.
Alex Brandon, AP
Ryan campaigns with Mike Pence in Mukwonago, Wis., on Nov. 5, 2016.
Ryan campaigns with Mike Pence in Mukwonago, Wis., on Nov. 5, 2016.
Pat A. Robinson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ryan speaks during the 1st Congressional District Republican Party of Wisconsin Fall Fest on Oct. 8, 2016, at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn, Wis.
Ryan speaks during the 1st Congressional District Republican Party of Wisconsin Fall Fest on Oct. 8, 2016, at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn, Wis.
Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images
Ryan and Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, talk while Alaska recounts their votes during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Ryan and Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, talk while Alaska recounts their votes during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Carolyn Kaster, AP
Ryan arrives for a news conference on Capitol Hill on May 12, 2016.
Ryan arrives for a news conference on Capitol Hill on May 12, 2016.
Cliff Owen, AP
President Obama and Ryan shake hands during a lunch celebrating St. Patrick's Day for Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, center, on Capitol Hill on March 15, 2016.
President Obama and Ryan shake hands during a lunch celebrating St. Patrick's Day for Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, center, on Capitol Hill on March 15, 2016.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP
President Obama greets Ryan and Vice President Biden after arriving to deliver his final State of the Union Address on Jan. 12, 2016.
President Obama greets Ryan and Vice President Biden after arriving to deliver his final State of the Union Address on Jan. 12, 2016.
Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency
Ryan signs legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act and to cut off federal funding of Planned Parenthood during an enrollment ceremony in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 7, 2016.
Ryan signs legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act and to cut off federal funding of Planned Parenthood during an enrollment ceremony in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 7, 2016.
Getty Images
Ryan strides to the chamber as the House and Senate rush to send President Obama a massive budget package on Dec. 18, 2015.
Ryan strides to the chamber as the House and Senate rush to send President Obama a massive budget package on Dec. 18, 2015.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan sits in the audience before the Republican presidential debate at the Milwaukee Theatre on Nov. 10, 2015, in Milwaukee.
Ryan sits in the audience before the Republican presidential debate at the Milwaukee Theatre on Nov. 10, 2015, in Milwaukee.
Jeffrey Phelps, AP
Ryan hugs outgoing Speaker John Boehner after being elected speaker on Oct. 29, 2015.
Ryan hugs outgoing Speaker John Boehner after being elected speaker on Oct. 29, 2015.
Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images
Ryan greets fellow lawmakers on the floor of the House chamber on Oct. 29, 2015, before being formally elected as speaker.
Ryan greets fellow lawmakers on the floor of the House chamber on Oct. 29, 2015, before being formally elected as speaker.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Ryan heads for the House Republican caucus meeting in the basement of the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 9, 2015, in Washington.
Ryan heads for the House Republican caucus meeting in the basement of the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 9, 2015, in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Ryan speaks with fellow lawmakers before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on March 3, 2015.
Ryan speaks with fellow lawmakers before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on March 3, 2015.
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
Within hours of the new Congress being gaveled into session, Ryan goes before the House Rules Committee as Republicans move forward with plans to advance legislation approving the embattled Keystone XL oil pipeline on Jan. 7, 2015, on Capitol Hill.
Within hours of the new Congress being gaveled into session, Ryan goes before the House Rules Committee as Republicans move forward with plans to advance legislation approving the embattled Keystone XL oil pipeline on Jan. 7, 2015, on Capitol Hill.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan poses at the Hunt-n-Gear in Janesville, Wis., during an interview with USA TODAY on Aug. 7, 2014.
Ryan poses at the Hunt-n-Gear in Janesville, Wis., during an interview with USA TODAY on Aug. 7, 2014.
Narayan Mahon, Narayan Mahon
Ryan and Senate Budget Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., walk together to announce a tentative agreement between Republican and Democratic negotiators on a government spending plan on Dec. 10, 2013.
Ryan and Senate Budget Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., walk together to announce a tentative agreement between Republican and Democratic negotiators on a government spending plan on Dec. 10, 2013.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan holds a copy of President Obama's fiscal 2014 budget proposal book as he questions Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Capitol Hill on April 12, 2013, as Sebelius testified before the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the HHS fiscal 2014 budget request.
Ryan holds a copy of President Obama's fiscal 2014 budget proposal book as he questions Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Capitol Hill on April 12, 2013, as Sebelius testified before the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the HHS fiscal 2014 budget request.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan leaves a Republican Conference meeting on Capitol Hill on Jan. 1, 2013, as House Republicans leaders shopped a Senate-approved fiscal cliff compromise to rank-and-file colleagues.
Ryan leaves a Republican Conference meeting on Capitol Hill on Jan. 1, 2013, as House Republicans leaders shopped a Senate-approved fiscal cliff compromise to rank-and-file colleagues.
Jacquelyn Martin, AP
Romney and Ryan hug on stage after Romney conceded the 2012 presidential election at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on Nov. 7, 2012.
Romney and Ryan hug on stage after Romney conceded the 2012 presidential election at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on Nov. 7, 2012.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Vice President Biden and Ryan participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College in Danville, Ky., on Oct. 11, 2012.
Vice President Biden and Ryan participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College in Danville, Ky., on Oct. 11, 2012.
Rick Wilkins, AP
Ryan plays cornhole during a tailgate party at the Ohio State University-Miami University of Ohio football game on Sept. 1, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio.
Ryan plays cornhole during a tailgate party at the Ohio State University-Miami University of Ohio football game on Sept. 1, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio.
Mary Altaffer, AP
Ryan gestures during a walk-through ahead of his speech at the Republican National Convention on Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla.
Ryan gestures during a walk-through ahead of his speech at the Republican National Convention on Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla.
Mary Altaffer, AP
Ryan puts up a chart as he gives the GOP response to President Obama's budget submission for fiscal year 2012 on Aug. 13, 2012.
Ryan puts up a chart as he gives the GOP response to President Obama's budget submission for fiscal year 2012 on Aug. 13, 2012.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan, his wife, Janna and children Liza, Charlie and Sam greet supporters during a campaign rally at the NASCAR Technical Institute on Aug. 12, 2012 in Mooresville, N.C.
Ryan, his wife, Janna and children Liza, Charlie and Sam greet supporters during a campaign rally at the NASCAR Technical Institute on Aug. 12, 2012 in Mooresville, N.C.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Romney announces Ryan as his running mate in front of the USS Wisconsin on Aug. 11, 2012, in Norfolk, Va.
Romney announces Ryan as his running mate in front of the USS Wisconsin on Aug. 11, 2012, in Norfolk, Va.
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Ryan reacts to opening remarks by ranking member Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., during a Budget Committee hearing in the Cannon House Office Building on June 1, 2012.
Ryan reacts to opening remarks by ranking member Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., during a Budget Committee hearing in the Cannon House Office Building on June 1, 2012.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Ryan visit Culver's restaurant on April 1, 2012, in Johnson Creek, Wis.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Ryan visit Culver's restaurant on April 1, 2012, in Johnson Creek, Wis.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Ryan holds up a copy of his budget plan, titled "The Path to Prosperity," on March 20, 2012, during a news conference on Capitol Hill.
Ryan holds up a copy of his budget plan, titled "The Path to Prosperity," on March 20, 2012, during a news conference on Capitol Hill.
Jacquelyn Martin, AP
Republicans are urging Rep. Paul  Ryan of Wisconsin  to run for speaker of the House.
Republicans are urging Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin to run for speaker of the House.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Ryan walks through an underground tunnel on Capitol Hill on April 5, 2011, with Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., on their way to a GOP caucus meeting.
Ryan walks through an underground tunnel on Capitol Hill on April 5, 2011, with Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., on their way to a GOP caucus meeting.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Ryan greets his supporters gathered in the ballroom at the Marriott Hotel, in Racine, Wis. on election night on Nov. 2, 2010.
Ryan greets his supporters gathered in the ballroom at the Marriott Hotel, in Racine, Wis. on election night on Nov. 2, 2010.
Scott Anderson, AP
Ryan points to piles of health care overhaul legislation during a Budget Committee markup on March 15, 2010, on Capitol Hill.
Ryan points to piles of health care overhaul legislation during a Budget Committee markup on March 15, 2010, on Capitol Hill.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Ryan talks about an alternative Republican budget plan he was pushing in the House on April 1, 2009, during a news conference on Capitol Hill.
Ryan talks about an alternative Republican budget plan he was pushing in the House on April 1, 2009, during a news conference on Capitol Hill.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
President Bush waves as he steps off Air Force One with Ryan on July 11, 2006, in Milwaukee.
President Bush waves as he steps off Air Force One with Ryan on July 11, 2006, in Milwaukee.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP