The 119th Congress is set to begin on Friday with Republicans holding full control of both the House and Senate for the first time since 2019. Despite the unified Republican control, there is potential for tension in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson faces a leadership vote shortly after 12 p.m.
In the Senate, Republicans will officially take over the majority following the November elections. This shift in power sets the stage for a new era in legislative priorities and decision-making.
As the new Congress convenes in Washington, here are some key things to keep in mind:
### Swearing-In of New Members
The new term of Congress kicks off with the swearing-in of House members on Friday. However, before they can take their oaths, they must elect a speaker. This process has been challenging for the divided Republican Party in recent elections, with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy needing 15 rounds to secure the gavel in 2023.
Following McCarthy’s ousting and the subsequent selection of Speaker Johnson, the House is gearing up for another potentially contentious leadership vote. The Senate, on the other hand, will swear in its members and move on to other business.
### Speaker’s Election Process
The speaker’s election involves nominations from each party, with candidates already decided in November. Johnson has secured the backing of Republicans for another term, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will be nominated by the Democrats. During the roll call vote, members will voice their support for their chosen candidate, with the majority winner becoming the speaker. If no candidate achieves a majority on the first round, the vote is repeated until a winner emerges.
### Balance of Power in Congress
Republicans now hold the majority in the Senate with 53 seats, while Democrats, including independents who caucus with them, control 47. In the House, Republicans maintained their majority with 220 seats to Democrats’ 215. However, with President-elect Donald Trump appointing three Republican members to his administration and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida declining his seat, the GOP’s margin is narrower.
Speaker Johnson will need 218 votes to secure his re-election if all members are present and voting.
### Republican Priorities
Top priorities for Republicans in the new Congress include immigration and border security, energy policy, and extending tax cuts from Trump’s first term. The party plans to utilize budget reconciliation to pass key agenda items with a simple majority, bypassing the 60-vote threshold required for most legislation in the Senate. However, achieving consensus within the party will be crucial for success.
Trump’s call for an increase in the debt ceiling adds another layer of complexity to the legislative agenda, potentially impacting Republicans’ priorities.
### New Members of Congress
Over 60 new members will join the House this week, representing a diverse array of states and political affiliations. In the Senate, ten new senators will take their seats, including four Democrats and six Republicans. This influx of fresh faces is expected to bring new perspectives and ideas to the legislative process.
As the 119th Congress gets underway, all eyes will be on the House leadership vote and the early legislative priorities set by the Republican-controlled Congress. The dynamics of the new Congress will shape the direction of policy-making and governance in the years to come.
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This rewritten article provides a detailed overview of the 119th Congress, highlighting key aspects such as the swearing-in of new members, the speaker’s election process, the balance of power in Congress, Republican priorities, and the influx of new members in both the House and Senate. By delving into these topics, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape as the new Congress begins its term.
