leadership

Lawmakers return to work on Capitol Hill Tuesday after more than a month off for the election. They’ll focus on addressing key legislative priorities ahead of a newly seated Congress next year.Trump’s nomineesThe new Congress will likely approve some of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees.His latest pick includes Florida Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser. Waltz is a retired National Guard officer, Green Beret, and Pentagon policy adviser.Trump also selected former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), though Zeldin does not have any apparent environmental experience.For deputy chief of staff, Trump has named Stephen Miller. Miller, a former senior adviser during Trump’s first administration, is known as an immigration hardliner who has backed Trump’s calls for mass deportation.All three join New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as U.N. ambassador, Tom Homan as the so-called “border czar,” and Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff.So far, only Zeldin and Stefanik would need Senate confirmation for their jobs. Some media organizations report Trump will nominate Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, another job that would need Senate confirmation.Balance of PowerOvernight, Democrat Ruben Gallego of Arizona claimed the final Senate seat up for grabs, defeating Republican challenger Kari Lake. It’s a win for Democrats, who lost the presidential race in the state. The victory also narrows the Republican lead in the chamber.The final Senate tally shows Republicans with 53 seats to Democrats’ 47 after the GOP flipped four seats in the election.The balance of power in the House remains to be seen. Sixteen races are still uncalled, but Republicans are four seats away from claiming the majority.Leadership ElectionsSenate leadership elections will begin Tuesday night with a private candidate forum.Longtime Republican leader Mitch McConnell is stepping down. Sens. Rick Scott, John Cornyn, and Whip John Thune are running to replace him.Trump has not made an endorsement of any candidate but wants whoever wins to let him appoint members of his administration for up to two-year terms without Senate confirmation, also known as “recess appointments.”In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Whip Tom Emmer want two more years in leadership.Other Republicans are quickly launching campaigns to be conference chair after Trump named Elise Stefanik as U.N. ambassador.The private votes in both chambers are scheduled for Wednesday.”Lame Duck” SessionCongress still has a handful of priorities to handle before the new year and administration. The period until then is called a ‘lame duck session,’ which is generally known for being unproductive.But lawmakers will be busy attempting to pass more disaster funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency after hurricanes hit the Southeast.They also need to approve a defense bill. The House and Senate versions are far apart on spending levels and social policy.Lawmakers’ biggest priority is funding the government. Republicans are looking at a temporary measure until they can pass year-long spending bills with control of the new Congress.Meantime, Senate Democrats will work to confirm President Joe Biden’s picks for judges.New members of Congress will be on Capitol Hill starting Tuesday for orientation and leadership elections.