House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., defended his fundraising prowess Thursday and dismissed naysayers predicting his lame-duck status would jeopardize his ability to raise more money — and the party’s prospects in the midterms.

Ryan was addressing complaints from GOP political operatives and some disgruntled House Republicans. They fear the speaker won’t command financial support from the party’s wealthy campaign contributors commensurate with his position as the top Republican in Congress after announcing plans to retire at year’s end.