Staff Reports
As the 119th Congress prepares to convene on January 3, 2025, excitement and anticipation fill the air, but not without a good dose of tension. The first order of business will be to elect a House Speaker. The spotlight is on Mike Johnson, who needs at least 218 votes from his fellow Republicans. With Republicans holding a slim majority of 219 seats compared to the Democrats’ 215, every vote will count, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
One of the biggest hurdles for Johnson is that the House is currently at a standstill. Until a Speaker is elected, no business can take place, which includes certifying the results of the Electoral College. This means if all goes according to plan, on January 6, Donald Trump could officially be declared the 47th President of the United States. If the chaos persists past January 20, things could get even more complicated. If the House is still trying to figure out who its leader is, then the President pro tempore of the Senate, Chuck Grassley, might just find himself in an unusual position—acting as President. Now that’s a scenario nobody expected to see!
House Oversight Chairman James Comer, excited yet cautious, voiced hope that the Republicans can unify and support Johnson on the first ballot. With five Republicans still undecided about their support, the GOP’s unity hangs in the balance. Comer warned that any disunity, especially in the early days of the new session, could delay the start of Trump’s agenda and his first hundred days—an essential window for enacting change and getting things done.
Another pressing issue on the table is the behavior of federal workers during the Biden administration. Comer has criticized the trend of employees teleworking, suggesting that Biden is attempting to “burn it down on the way out.” He argues that a significant number of federal workers are still operating under COVID-era rules, creating empty office spaces and poor collaboration. To combat this, Comer is backing a bill known as the Show-Up Act, which would require federal employees to physically report for duty. He believes that this measure will help restore productivity and efficiency in the federal workforce.
As the new Congress kicks off, scrutiny will also fall on oversight of the Biden administration. Comer outlined aggressive plans to address what he views as blatant misconduct, particularly regarding financial dealings involving Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Allegations have emerged of financial impropriety that necessitates investigation. Comer and the House Oversight Committee will be looking into whether federal agencies knew of any wrongdoing while remaining silent, thus potentially shielding those involved. The committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability is expected to be a defining focus in the upcoming Congress.
In summary, the inaugural days of the 119th Congress promise to be a whirlwind of voting, strategy, and a little bit of drama. The Republicans face significant challenges as they attempt to solidify their ranks, lead the House effectively, and implement Trump’s agenda—all while dealing with questions of federal accountability. As our representatives prepare to take the stage, eyes across the nation are watching to see just how well they can come together to make this Congress a success and deliver on their promises to the American people.
