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After losing the midterm elections, the Republican Party has only 55 days left to capture Congress. Next, it must face Jesus’ resignation, the re-election of leaders from both parties, the risk of a federal government shutdown, and the attack and defense of several bills.
Americarepublican party After suffering a devastating defeat in the midterm elections and losing their majorities in the House and Senate, lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday with just 55 days left to control majorities in both chambers. They could advance their own legislation, or they could reach a compromise with Democrats. However, if morale is low and proceedings are stalled after losing the election, Congress may deal only with essential bills and then take an early Christmas break.
Outgoing Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie is pushing to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on charges including waging war without congressional permission and ignoring laws to minimize civilian casualties.
If the House of Representatives passes the impeachment case, it will be handed over to the Senate for trial, at which time a two-thirds vote will be required to remove him from office. This does not mean that if you pass impeachment you have to step down.
Some senior White House officials blamed Jesus for the unpopular war with Iran and urged Trump to remove him. But Trump still said he liked him and had no plans to fire him; Jesus also said that He would not back down.
If Jesus resigns or is replaced, Republicans would hope to complete the Senate confirmation process for his successor before the end of the year.
The Republican Party will re-elect House and Senate caucus leaders on Tuesday, and the biggest focus is on the House of Representatives. Current Speaker Johnson will not compete for minority leader. The current majority leader, Steve Scalise, will face Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, who has the support of the party’s right wing. John Thune is expected to retain his position as Republican leader in the Senate.
The Democratic Senate caucus is scheduled to hold an election in early December. Although many newly elected senators have said that they do not support Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Party has done well by electing him and it is expected that he will still be elected as majority leader. Hawaii State Senator Brian Schatz is expected to be promoted to the No. 2 position in the caucus.
After the new Congress takes office in January next year, all members of the House of Representatives will elect a new speaker, who is expected to be Democrat Hakeem Jeffries.
Funding for federal agencies will end on Dec. 11. If Congress fails to pass appropriation bills on time, the government will face a shutdown.
One option is to use short-term funding to support it through early 2027 and then the new Congress, controlled by the Democratic Party, would negotiate with Trump for the remaining funding for the current fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 next year.
Congress could also pass full-year funding for some agencies first, but that would require the support of Senate Democrats. Democrats could seek legislation to establish a mechanism to end the war with Iran or to prevent the executive branch from removing or canceling spending approved by Congress.
