The start of January marks significant milestones for the U.S. Congress, as Republicans solidify their control following the November elections, now holding the Senate, House of Representatives, and White House.
JAN. 3: The 119th Congress commences with the swearing-in of new members. Republicans maintain a slim majority in the House with a 219-215 split. In the Senate, the majority stands at 53-47, falling short of the 60-vote threshold required for most legislation to pass.
Republican Senator John Thune has secured the role of Senate Majority Leader, while all eyes are on the House where the speaker will be decided. Speaker Mike Johnson seeks to retain his position, receiving backing from President-elect Donald Trump. However, the speaker must secure a majority vote in the chamber, and any defections from just two Republicans could jeopardize Johnson’s speakership. Democrats are nominating Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to challenge Johnson, but they are anticipated to fall short of garnering enough votes. Traditionally, the party in the majority is expected to prevail in the speaker election.
JAN. 6: Exactly four years after a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory, Congress reconvenes to certify Trump’s win in 2024. During a joint session, Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump defeated in the election, will oversee the Electoral College count in her capacity as Senate President. While no repeat of the 2021 Capitol riot is anticipated, Congress has implemented reforms to safeguard the certification process against external disruptions. Trump has pledged to pardon certain individuals involved in the January 6 events upon assuming office.
JAN. 7-9: President Joe Biden has designated January 9 as a national day of mourning to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Congressional leaders have announced that Carter’s casket will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from January 7 to January 9 ahead of the official state funeral.
JAN. 20: Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated on the West Front steps of the Capitol, inaugurating his second term as the 47th President of the United States. He is set to unveil numerous executive actions on his first day in office, ranging from changes in immigration policy to energy-related decisions. Following his inauguration, Trump will formally nominate individuals for his Cabinet, with Senate confirmation proceedings likely to follow promptly.
