Congress returns/ Trump administration agenda/ House Speaker Johnson/ GOP leadership/ lame-duck session/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Congress returns to Washington with unfinished business and the beginning of a new Trump era. President-elect Trump’s administration, supported by a stronger Republican majority, is preparing an aggressive agenda, while Democrats regroup and vow to oppose efforts to dismantle past achievements. Leadership races and pending legislation add urgency as Congress moves into a lame-duck session.
Congress Returns Under Trump: Quick Looks
- New GOP Agenda: Trump’s team eyes immigration, deregulation, and reducing federal influence.
- Leadership Races: Senate Republicans compete for leadership; House GOP faces internal divisions.
- Progressive Opposition: Democrats vow to oppose Trump’s policies, especially on immigration.
- Lame-Duck Priorities: Government funding and disaster relief top immediate legislative priorities.
- Key Appointments: Trump considers House Republicans for top administration roles, straining GOP numbers.
Congress Returns to Unfinished Business Under New Trump Administration
Deep Look
Congress reconvened in Washington this week with a new dynamic: the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House, backed by an energized Republican Party eager to push forward his ambitious agenda. With Congress under increased Republican control, President-elect Trump is advocating for swift action on longstanding conservative priorities, including mass deportations, industry deregulation, and significant cuts to federal programs.
Shifting Congressional Landscape and GOP Strategy
In the wake of the recent elections, the Republican-controlled House and Senate are preparing to align closely with Trump’s vision. Trump has called his second term a “mandate” to transform Washington, encouraging the Senate to expedite Cabinet confirmations and bypass traditional advisory roles. Among Trump’s key allies, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) of the House Freedom Caucus signaled a full-force effort to back Trump’s promises on issues like border security and energy production, asserting, “Trump’s going to deliver his deportations, the drilling, the wall.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who narrowly secured a GOP majority in the House, has rallied his team to present a united front. Johnson, set to meet with House leaders on Capitol Hill, aims to solidify his leadership role and set the tone for the GOP’s legislative agenda. The Republican Senate, having won a slim majority, will also hold leadership elections, with prominent figures like Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) vying for top positions. Trump’s support for Scott has influenced the race, as some Senate Republicans seek to establish a new direction in leadership while others remain wary of closely aligning with Trump’s more polarizing stances.
Democratic Opposition and Progressive Plans
As Republicans press forward, Democrats are regrouping to oppose key aspects of Trump’s agenda. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, criticized Trump’s planned immigration policies, vowing that progressives will serve as a “check” on his administration. Reflecting on the resistance Democrats posed in Trump’s first term, Jayapal expressed confidence that her party will again stand firm against efforts to overturn established policies like the Affordable Care Act.
With newly elected progressive representatives joining Congress, Jayapal described them as “bright lights” who will continue fighting for Democratic priorities. However, Democrats face challenges in a Congress now more unified behind Trump’s conservative platform, which could lead to significant policy shifts.
GOP Leadership Elections and Internal Divisions
As internal elections for leadership positions unfold, some conservative members of the House are calling for delays until all congressional races are finalized. With Speaker Johnson facing both support and dissent within the GOP ranks, his ability to unify the party will be essential for passing key pieces of Trump’s agenda. Johnson requires a simple majority to secure his nomination this week but will need a 218-member majority for January’s full House vote.
Johnson has faced challenges maintaining GOP unity in the past and often relied on cooperation with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to pass legislation. As the GOP prepares for the “most consequential” term in recent history, Johnson may encounter ongoing resistance from Freedom Caucus members seeking concessions, similar to the lengthy battle that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced in 2023.
Lame-Duck Session Priorities
During this lame-duck session, Congress must resolve urgent legislative issues before the transition in January. Key deadlines include a December 20 deadline to fund the federal government, which could lead to a shutdown if spending disagreements aren’t resolved. Conservatives are pressuring Johnson to adhere to their calls for reduced federal spending.
Additionally, Congress is expected to consider disaster relief funding following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With the Democratic majority in the Senate expiring, there is also pressure to expedite judicial confirmations and finalize pending legislation before Trump’s administration takes control.
New Republican Appointments and Potential House Strain
As Trump assembles his new administration, he has already tapped two Republican House members for top positions, putting additional pressure on Johnson’s narrow majority. Trump’s selection of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as U.N. ambassador and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) as national security adviser could create further strain within the GOP, leaving the party with minimal leeway for passing legislation without unified support.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) acknowledged the challenge of keeping GOP ranks intact, especially if Trump’s appointments continue to draw from the House.
Legislative Outlook and Future Challenges
In the coming weeks, Congress will address several pressing priorities while preparing for a transition into the new administration. Funding the federal government and addressing disaster relief needs will top the agenda, along with confirming any last-minute judicial nominees and legislation with a chance of passage. Meanwhile, Democrats, led by President Joe Biden and outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, are working to complete as much unfinished business as possible before the Republican-controlled Congress begins in January.
Former President Trump’s promise to “end the wars” in Washington and implement conservative reforms has drawn significant attention, but specifics of how these goals will be achieved remain unclear. Some observers anticipate that with control of both Congress and the White House, Trump’s second term will see substantial changes to federal governance, immigration policies, and other key areas.
For Democrats, this period presents a crucial opportunity to safeguard existing policies and make progress on remaining priorities. Progressive leaders, including Jayapal, are prepared to continue challenging Trump’s policies, particularly those that could impact immigration, healthcare, and environmental protections.
Final Takeaway
As Congress resumes its work, the focus will be on navigating the intense partisanship that Trump’s return to the White House has reignited. With Republicans gearing up for an aggressive legislative session and Democrats vowing to counter Trump’s policies, the next two years promise to be transformative for the nation’s political landscape.
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