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What’s Congress going to do in the lame duck?
Slate • • nation
Key Points:
- Republicans have a significant lame-duck agenda before losing power in January, focusing primarily on filling about two dozen federal judiciary vacancies and debating a potential last reconciliation bill, amid internal disagreements and logistical challenges.
- Democrats gained a notable Senate seat in Mississippi with Scott Colom's victory, raising questions about how new red-state Democratic senators will balance between liberal policies and more conservative stances like Joe Manchin.
- The Senate Democratic leadership race has begun with Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen challenging Chuck Schumer for majority leader, though Schumer currently holds broader support among senators.
- House Republicans have chosen Rep. Jim Jordan, a far-right figure, as their incoming party leader, reflecting the party's shift toward a more insular and ideologically extreme conference after significant election losses.
- Controversies continue as some House Democrats missed a key impeachment vote due to traffic issues, and Republicans are pushing for the removal of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick amid scandals and internal administration conflicts.
