Last week, Donald Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential race after winning every critical swing state. In Congress, Republicans have reclaimed control of the Senate, flipping several key states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Montana. At this time, the control of the House has yet to be determined, although it is becoming increasingly likely that Republicans will maintain a small majority. If that is the case, there will be unified GOP control, positioning President-elect Donald Trump to carry out his key policy objectives.
This week, House Republicans will hold their leadership elections. If they retain control of the chamber, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) would likely maintain their positions. If the Republicans lose their majority, questions will quickly arise about whether Speaker Johnson will have the necessary support to be Minority Leader, and if internal challenges will come from Representatives Scalise or Jim Jordan (R-OH). Currently, House Democrats plan to hold their leadership votes on November 19 and 20, with current Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to remain in control.
Additionally, freshman House lawmakers will travel to Washington for new member orientation, where they will participate in legislative training sessions and meet-and-greet events.
In the upper chamber, Senate Republicans will meet to determine who will take over as Majority Leader now that Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has stepped down from leadership. The top contenders are Senators John Thune (R-SD) and John Cornyn (R-TX), both prolific fundraisers and well liked through their conference. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will retain control of his party in 2025. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is also in the running, although he is viewed as the underdog. However, he is a close ally of President-elect Trump and has been attempting to leverage support from conservative voices that his election as Majority Leader would further disrupt the status quo in Washington.
Administration
On Tuesday, President Biden will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and hold a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the White House. On Wednesday, Biden will host President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Then on Thursday, he will travel to Lima, Peru.
House Votes
On Tuesday, the House will meet to consider multiple bills under suspension.
- Bills expected under suspension of the rules.
- H.R. 82 – Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (Sponsored by Rep. Garret Graves / Ways and Means Committee)
- H.R. 5342 – Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2023 (Sponsored by Rep. Arrington / Ways and Means Committee)
- H.R. 9495 – Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Tenney / Ways and Means Committee)
- H.R. 9597 – Federal Acquisition Security Council Improvement Act of 2024, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Comer / Oversight and Accountability Committee)
- H.R. 9592 – Federal Register Modernization Act of 2024, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Clay Higgins / Oversight and Accountability Committee)
- H.R. 9596 – Value Over Costs Act of 2024 (Sponsored by Rep. Donalds / Oversight and Accountability Committee)
- H.R. 5301 – Eliminate Useless Reports Act of 2024, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Robert Garcia / Oversight and Accountability Committee)
- H.R. 5658 – Vote by Mail Tracking Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Porter / Oversight and Accountability Committee)
- S. 1510 – GAO Inspector General Parity Act (Sponsored by Sen. Braun / Oversight and Accountability Committee)
Wednesday – Friday, the House is scheduled to meet for legislative business.
- Bills expected under a rule.
- H.R. 8446 – Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024 (Sponsored by Rep. Ciscomani / Natural Resources Committee)
Senate Votes
On Tuesday, the Senate will begin consideration on the nominations of April Perry to be an Illinois district judge and Jonathan Hawley and David Huitema to run the Office of Government Ethics. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has also filed cloture on Cathy Fung’s nomination to the U.S. Tax Court.