As the world welcomes a new year, lawmakers are gathering at the US Capitol to commence the 119th Congress.
Friday signifies the beginning of the new legislative session, with Republicans holding majorities in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate.
This establishes a Republican trifecta, especially as President Trump prepares to return to the White House later this month. The last occurrence of unified control across all three branches of government was in 2017.
While Republicans are keen to initiate their ambitious agenda, they face challenges within their tight majorities in both chambers, where internal disagreements could complicate efforts. The first demonstration of party unity will occur on Friday during leadership elections in the House.
Here are five key elements to monitor as this new session of Congress unfolds:
1. A Narrow Republican Trifecta
Although Republicans hold a majority in the House, it is precariously small.
The House cannot certify election results or initiate any legislation until a new speaker is elected—the leader of the chamber.
Current Speaker Mike Johnson, despite presidential support, faces skepticism from several party members who question his fitness for a second term.
With such a slim majority, losing just two votes could lead to a lengthy election process, reminiscent of the 15 rounds of voting it took for Kevin McCarthy to secure the speaker’s role in 2023.
Johnson has already encountered pushback from Congressman Thomas Massie and other undecided Republicans.
Trump’s recent selections for his administration have additionally further reduced the Republican majority to just five seats in light of the 2024 election outcomes.
“We have nothing to spare,” Johnson stated in early December.
2. Confirming Cabinet Appointments
In the Senate, lawmakers have elected South Dakota’s Senator John Thune as their majority leader, allowing them to commence official proceedings on Friday.
As they begin confirmation hearings for several of Trump’s controversial cabinet appointments, they will encounter various challenges.
The Senate must approve around 1,200 appointments for the new administration, with some nominees likely facing intense scrutiny during their hearings.
Among the contentious nominees is Trump’s choice for Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, who is currently facing sexual assault allegations, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary, known for his vaccine skepticism.
Despite efforts by nominees to secure support from Republican senators, heated hearings are anticipated, as bipartisan committees take on the responsibility of questioning these candidates.
The Senate might expedite confirmation hearings for some national security nominees amid recent security threats, emphasizing the urgency of these appointments.
“The US Senate must confirm President Trump’s national security team as soon as possible. Lives depend on it,” declared Senator John Barrasso.
While nominations that pass committee typically move forward easily, the backlash against some appointments could complicate their confirmations.
3. Addressing the Tax Landscape
A major priority for Congress will be to address the looming expiration of Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, set to end in 2025.
This significant tax overhaul, which was enacted when Republicans held control of both chambers, provided substantial cuts primarily benefiting corporations and wealthy taxpayers—an outcome that Democrats seek to reverse.
Trump’s agenda includes extending tax cuts and further reducing corporate taxes, along with eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income.
The route Congress will take to maintain or replace these tax provisions remains uncertain, with potential implications for the national deficit that could trouble fiscally conservative Republicans.
4. Pushing Other Republican Initiatives
Legislation addressing key Republican objectives, such as immigration reform and scaling back government regulations, is expected to advance.
Proposals may include reducing military aid to Ukraine, imposing new tariffs, cutting funding for clean energy efforts, and increasing border security measures.
In a recent press conference, Johnson outlined a Republican platform focused on combatting inflation, securing borders, restoring energy independence, and advocating for education reforms.
Additionally, lawmakers must tackle the debt ceiling issue, which became prominent amid recent government shutdown threats.
Trump insisted that any spending deal include provisions to raise or suspend the debt limit, a demand that ultimately did not materialize in the final bill.
Options for addressing budget concerns may involve a reconciliation bill, allowing Congress to approve fiscal measures with a simple majority, navigating potential filibusters.
The upcoming session will likely witness increased legislative actions on Capitol Hill, with new schedules featuring more working days and effort to prioritize key issues.
5. Emerging Influencers in Congress
The conclusion of the previous Congress highlighted the significant influence of Trump and his supporters within the Republican agenda.
Tech mogul Elon Musk has provided advice on government spending cuts, recently criticizing bipartisan efforts to prevent a government shutdown, leading to a split within party lines.
Both Trump and Musk have indicated they might withdraw support from Republican legislators who back certain spending bills, raising questions about their ongoing influence over the party’s legislative direction.
Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will co-lead a new advisory committee focusing on regulatory and spending reductions.
On the Democratic front, lawmakers are regrouping in anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections, with centrist factions pushing to play an influential role moving forward, including through bipartisan initiatives and centrist coalitions.
