- As a result, most of the items on their to-do list could be referred to the new Congress.
- That’s aside from a few things that House Republican leaders would rather avoid altogether: another Jeffrey Epstein bill and an impeachment vote.
- Lawmakers also have just over a month before another potential government funding cut.
Driving the news: Rep. Thomas Massie — whom GOP voters rejected in favor of a Republican more aligned with Trump — is pushing another Epstein-related vote, an additional headache for the administration and GOP leaders.
- He also plans to try to force a vote this week on his impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Republicans lose their majorities in the House and Senate on January 3, ending their ability to set the legislative agendas of both chambers.
Reality check: Trump still exercises the presidential veto.
- Rodell Molineau, a Democratic strategist and former communications director for the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said Democrats could postpone some legislative fights until January, when they have greater negotiating power.
- “I think there are some things that Democrats would be happy to put aside,” he said.
Yes, but: Congress still faces major legislative hurdles.
- Lawmakers are expected to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which could spark a fight over the Iran war as some Republicans become increasingly willing to criticize the conflict.
- A bipartisan permitting bill could overhaul how energy and infrastructure projects are approved.
- Senate Republicans are also working to confirm more Trump administration officials and judicial nominees before Democrats take over.
What they say: “What needs to be done is the appropriations and the NDAA bill,” Nadeam Elshami, former chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi, told Axios.
- Democrats “feel emboldened in these two discussions” and “have both momentum and influence,” he said, making them unlikely to support provisions advancing Trump’s priorities.
- Allowing the reform would be a good thing, Elshami said, but it faces “real obstacles.”
- And what about Republicans’ hopes of passing another reconciliation plan? “I just don’t see it happening,” he said.
Between the lines: Dozens of House lawmakers and at least 17 senators are leaving Congress, raising questions about participation, cooperation and how much work the outgoing members actually want to get done — consider it a professional case of congressional seniority.
- Some, like Massie, decided to shake the table and make their party feel their anger.
- “If it’s a critical vote, then I think the members will come back,” Elshami said. But on less consequential votes: “I highly doubt they’re in town.”
Molineau sees competing incentives.
- “(O)bviously, as a Democrat, I want as few of these people back as possible. Like, if they’re grumpy, stay away,” he told Axios. But, he added, “You still get paid. It’s still your job.”
- Incumbent lawmakers considering lobbying assignments or future campaigns also have reason to run: “Members have very, very long memories,” he said.
- He nevertheless warned: “I don’t think they will succeed in arousing the enthusiasm of all these members who are retiring.”
What we’re looking at: Whether Congress succeeds in completing its top legislative priorities or whether lawmakers leave those fights to the new Democratic majorities.
Go further: House set to impeach Pete Hegseth after GOP midterm defeat
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