The 119th Congress begins Friday with Republicans in full control of the House and Senate for the first time since 2019. Here's what to know.
The 119th Congress convened on January 3, 2023, marking the start of a new legislative session with several notable changes and expectations. This session sees the House of Representatives with a slim Republican majority, leading to Kevin McCarthy's election as Speaker after multiple rounds of voting, showcasing internal party divisions. Key issues on the agenda include addressing the debt ceiling, managing government funding, and responding to ongoing investigations, particularly those involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Additionally, the new Congress will tackle immigration reform, the potential impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and the reauthorization of the Farm Bill. The Senate, while less contentious in its leadership transition, will also focus on these issues, alongside confirming presidential appointees and potentially addressing foreign policy matters like aid to Ukraine. The session is anticipated to be marked by significant partisan battles, with both chambers needing to navigate through a politically divided landscape.
Politics & Government
Politics and Government
Politics and Government
Fri, January 3, 2025 
