The 118th Congress is winding down and most policymakers have shifted their attention to planning for the 119th Congress -- deciding committee leadership, identifying rank-and-file committee members, onboarding new Members of Congress, and building policy and messaging agendas to roll out in January. However, many issues remain unresolved that this Congress will need to address in the coming week.
Must-Pass Bills: Several big issues have to be solidified in the coming week, most notably FY 2025 funding and the Farm Bill. Since neither has a chance for passage before the end of the year, they will both likely be wrapped into a continuing resolution (CR). Additionally, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will be completed this year as well, before its December 31st expiration. Not surprisingly, policymakers see these must-pass bills as opportunities to attach their own priorities. The CR may provide that opportunity to some, but not all circulating requests will reach the finish line.
Committee Decisions: In addition to negotiating committee Republican / Democratic ratios for membership, it will be important to finalize committee leadership prior to announcing committee assignments next year. This becomes more complicated with several Democrats challenging (successfully in some cases) Democratic committee leaders that have served for decades. Figuring out these committee leadership spots is a delicate dance that takes some time, but allowing it to be delayed beyond 2025 would slow down the early days of Congress.
Rules Package: Republicans in the House will need to finalize the rules package that will guide how they manage the House in the 119th Congress. This package gets voted on the first day of the new Congress (January 3rd).
There is a lot to do before Congress adjourns on December 20th. The more they decide to punt until next year, the more crowded and complicated the start of the 119th Congress will become.
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