Lawmakers will return Tuesday after a six-week campaign break, where a lame-duck session will blend lingering issues with progress in the next Congress.
With government funding expected to run out next month, Republicans will either end their deal with Democrats when President-elect Donald Trump takes office just weeks after Republicans take control of both houses of Congress. They will be faced with the question of whether to carry over the funding issue to next year. and the Senate.
What Republicans are most concerned about in their return to power is the leadership elections in both chambers. On the Senate side, John Thune (S.D.) and John Cornyn (Texas) have been battling it out for months, but now Rick Scott (Florida) is backed by a bold name. states) are facing challenges.
This week, President Trump nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) to be ambassador to the United Nations, expanding the possibility of a leadership role, intensifying the negotiations in the House of Representatives.
Follow us here throughout the day for updates from the start of the lame duck session.
