It’s officially a lame-duck session, and while the 118th Congress needs to chip away at its list of must-pass legislation, preparations for the 119th Congress are well underway.
Capitol Hill is abuzz as legislators return today, the majority of whom have spent the better part of the last six weeks on the campaign trail. But it’s not just a sea of familiar faces; new member orientation begins today and runs through November 22, allowing the incoming freshmen to brace themselves for all that a new Congress (and a new administration) will bring.
But, slow your roll… we’ve provided a roadmap of what lies ahead in the House and Senate between now and the kickoff of the 119th Congress.
Leadership Elections
Week of November 12
Senate Republicans
The race to replace Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as Senate Republican Leader is the only contested top leadership election at this time. There are three declared candidates: current Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) and Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rick Scott (R-FL). Additionally, Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) are both running for Republican Conference Chair.
This election is done by secret ballot.
Senate Democrats
The retirement of Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) creates an opening for chair of the Policy and Communications Committee. In previous years, Senate Democrats have held conference elections in early December.
House Republicans
While control of the House has not been officially called, Republicans are operating under the assumption they will retain the majority. President-elect Trump’s nomination of Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has created an opening in the leadership ranks. At least three members have announced their candidacy: Reps. Kat Cammack (R-FL), Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Erin Houchin (R-IN).
House Democrats
At this time, the only contested leadership election is for the battleground representative. Reps. Susie Lee (D-NV), Greg Landsman (D-OH) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) are planning to run for this seat to represent members in frontline or red-to-blue seats.
COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP AND ASSIGNMENTS
December 2024 & January 2025
House
Shortly after leadership elections, House Republicans and House Democrats will convene their respective steering committees to start the process of determining committee chairs and ranking members.
Due to term limits and retirements, House Republicans will have contested chair races for the following committees:
- Education & the Workforce
- Energy & Commerce
- Financial Services
- Foreign Affairs
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also will have to appoint a new chair for the House Rules Committee.
At this time, no challenges have been announced for House Democratic committee leadership positions.
House committees will be populated by rank-and-file members in December and January.
Senate
In the Senate, committee leadership and slots are determined primarily by seniority. This process may not be completed until early February.
THE 119TH CONGRESS CONVENES
January 3, 2025
The post-holiday haze barely will have lifted when Congress convenes and the House immediately begins the process of electing a speaker by roll call vote, followed by a vote on the rules package, which will govern the House for the next two years. Expect heated debate within the Republican Conference on the rules package, including the Motion to Vacate, earmarks and the formation of select committees.
TRUMP 2.0 – THE FIRST 100 DAYS
January 20, 2025
Like any change in administration, there will be the typical pomp and circumstance that comes the January following a big election, but President-elect Trump has made it clear he plans on wasting no time in getting down to business when he moves back into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. He will expect swift confirmation of his cabinet, implementation of Executive Orders and movement on his top legislative priorities.
Gina Mahony is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in government relations. She spent 11 years on Capitol Hill, including five years as a senior advisor to Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD). Gina later worked at a top Washington, D.C., lobbying firm for four years, where her expertise influenced major legislation, including the Dodd-Frank Act and the Affordable Care Act. Before founding Domer Consulting in 2016, she served as senior vice president for federal government relations at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Gina’s career spans work with Congress, federal agencies and the White House, advancing client interests across various sectors.