HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Republican Whip Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), Caucus Chairman Rep. George Dunbar (R-Westmoreland), Caucus Secretary Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) Caucus Administrator Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) and Republican Policy Committee Chair Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) on Tuesday congratulated Rep. Mark Rozzi (I-Berks) on his election to Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

“We want to congratulate Rep. Mark Rozzi, Pennsylvania’s first Independent Speaker of the House, on his election today. Reflecting the realities of an evenly divided chamber, it is imperative we have a truly independent voice to conduct House business and manage the House floor.”

Rozzi was elected to be Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 115-85. Upon being elected, Rozzi pledged to become an Independent and caucus with neither party in the House.

Leader Cutler added, “As a former Speaker myself, I can attest to the fact that the presiding officer of this chamber must remove himself or herself from their own political beliefs and put the institution before individuals. I have known Rep. Rozzi for many years and know he will rise to the occasion and meet the moment as a truly independent leader for the Pennsylvania House.”

Upon Rozzi becoming an Independent, the partisan makeup in the House will be 101 Republicans, 98 Democrats and one Independent.