US House under new management, but it’s business as usual

New Speaker Paul Ryan promised a fresh start for the House.

But it’s looking like business as usual as lawmakers wrap up a year-end spending bill that pays for Planned Parenthood, the president’s health care law and other Obama administration priorities.

Last-stage negotiations are taking in private and at the highest levels, shutting out rank-and-file lawmakers and even committee chairmen.

And conservatives — far from threatening a coup and trying to oust Ryan like they did to former Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur) — are applauding.

How has Ryan managed to turn Boehner’s most avowed enemies into some of his top cheerleaders?

By involving the dissidents, listening to them, respecting them and flattering them.