As the lame-duck session of Congress commences, President-elect Donald Trump's influence is already being felt across various critical legislative matters. Lawmakers are facing the imminent threat of a government shutdown and internal Republican leadership contests that Trump is actively shaping.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's strategy for the funding fight remains uncertain, with Trump yet to provide guidance on key issues, including the looming December 20 government spending deadline. While some Republicans advocate for a spending deal during the lame-duck session, others prefer to defer decisions until Trump assumes office in 2025, potentially complicating Johnson's path to the speakership.
Delaying the funding fight to next year could grant Trump more authority but risks a tumultuous battle in Congress that might overshadow early priorities of his second term. The packed legislative agenda also includes confirming Trump's nominees, passing a comprehensive tax and economic package, and addressing critical items like the annual defense policy bill and disaster relief for recent hurricanes.
In the Senate, the race to succeed Mitch McConnell as GOP leader is heating up, with Trump's influence evident in candidates' commitments to expedite nominee confirmations through recess appointments. The new Senate GOP leader will be elected by secret ballot to potentially mitigate Trump's sway over the race.
On the Democratic side, the shock of recent losses has left lawmakers with limited time to advance priorities before losing Senate control. The House's approach to the spending fight remains uncertain, with little session time before the Thanksgiving break and the impending government shutdown deadline in December.
While both parties aim to avoid punting major issues to 2025, the urgency to pass critical legislation like the National Defense Authorization Act and renew key agriculture policy looms large as Congress navigates a tight legislative calendar.
