SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Republican representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana was re-elected as speaker of the house on Friday, kicking off the first day of the 119th Congress. Another leader also returned, one that's been in his seat for years representing western Massachusetts. "What's hopeful for us here in western Massachusetts is that Congressman Richard Neal has been returned to his post of power," said Tony Cignoli, 22News Political Consultant. Trump’s Jan. 6 certification marks political comeback Jim McGovern was also back in his role within the Democratic party. Both leader's presence is necessary to put laws into place and be able to bargain funds for state projects. On Friday, House Speaker Johnson shared his agenda for the country, "We will act quickly and we will start by securing our nation's borders, that is the number one priority."22News Political Consultant Tony Cignoli explained how each decision affects the Bay State, "It's not just about securing the border, it's about securing everything within the border as well."Acts of violence have become a concern across the country after the terror attack in New Orleans killed 14 people on New Year's Day. "We can fight high inflation and we must, we will give relief to Americans and extend the Trump tax cuts," said House Speaker Mike Johnson. According to 22News Political Consultant Tony Cignoli, a joint effort is needed to help the American people, "If the Republicans want to see some of the things that they campaigned on, Donald Trump campaigned on, they need Democrats and vice versa." Local News Headlines Audit faults state on hospital monitoring DEEP identifies body found in Connecticut River Son accused of killing father in Hartford motel stabbing The Big E ranks in largest U.S. carnivals for attendance WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.