Congress is returning to Washington amid a seismic political shift as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office for a second term. Republican lawmakers, emboldened by their newly regained control of the Senate and their likely hold on the House, are readying to push a hardline agenda centered on immigration crackdowns, deregulation, and a reshaping of federal governance. Democrats, meanwhile, are reflecting on what went wrong and preparing for the challenges ahead.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, facing the delicate task of managing a narrow majority, plans to rally colleagues on the Capitol steps Tuesday to outline their strategy. "If we meet this historic moment together, the next two years can result in the most consequential Congress of the modern era," Johnson wrote to members. His call to action underscores the party's unity in advancing Trump's goals, but also the uncertainty looming over key remaining House races.
In the Senate, newly empowered Republicans are poised to back Trump's plans with renewed vigor. Key figures like Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, a contender to replace outgoing GOP leader Mitch McConnell, are emphasizing the need for quick confirmations of Trump's appointees. "We must prepare the Senate to advance that agenda legislatively and ensure that the president-elect can hit the ground running with his appointees confirmed as soon as possible," Thune wrote in a Fox News op-ed.
The GOP's internal leadership elections, slated for this week, will shape the direction of both chambers. Trump's allies are pushing hard for loyalists in leadership positions. In the Senate, the race to replace McConnell has seen contenders like Thune, Texas's Sen. John Cornyn, and Florida's Sen. Rick Scott jockeying for influence. Scott has gained support from Trump's orbit, raising speculation about how much sway the president-elect's endorsement may carry.
While Republicans focus on consolidating power, Democrats are grappling with their reduced role. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, vowed to stand as a check on Trump's policies. "Our members are ready to take up the fight again," she said, flanked by newly elected progressives. Jayapal singled out Trump's "horrific immigration policies" as a central point of contention.
The legislative agenda for the lame-duck session remains packed with high-stakes issues. Congress faces a December 20 deadline to avert a government shutdown, a challenge exacerbated by partisan differences over spending priorities. Johnson has already expressed opposition to passing a large omnibus spending bill, preferring instead to tackle individual appropriations bills. A stopgap measure to avoid a shutdown may be unavoidable.
Additional challenges include replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and finalizing an annual defense policy bill. Senate Democrats are also expected to prioritize judicial confirmations, as President Joe Biden aims to match or surpass the number of confirmations seen during Trump's first term. With another Trump presidency on the horizon, the stakes for the judiciary are high.
Leadership contests within the GOP have already turned into a test of loyalty to Trump. The Senate's private leadership election will take place behind closed doors, with ballots cast in secret. The influence of external voices, such as media figures and Trump confidants, may play a role, but the senators themselves hold the ultimate decision. House Republicans are likewise navigating their leadership lineup, with some pushing to postpone decisions until final House race results are in.
Johnson, seeking to solidify his hold on the Speaker's gavel, must contend with internal dissent from conservative factions like the House Freedom Caucus. A slim majority leaves Johnson vulnerable, with past experiences, such as former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's prolonged gavel fight, serving as cautionary tales. "A low vote total this week will show the leverage Freedom Caucus members and others have to pry concessions from Johnson," one insider noted.
