Capitol Hill is bustling this morning. The House and Senate are back in town for the first time since Sept. 25, walking into a chamber that feels very different from their last sessions.
Republicans are entering this lame-duck period happier than ever, having reached the Washington trifecta for the next two years. Now, they're hashing out their priorities and debating over party leadership.
Today's victory lap: House Republicans held a news conference this morning where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said they are going to "raise an 'America First' banner" over the House. Johnson also said President-elect Trump may visit Capitol Hill.
🗨️ Live blog of GOP Capitol Hill updates today
It's not all rainbows and butterflies, though: Trump will test the loyalty of Republicans, particularly in the Senate, with some bold demands.
- He may pardon many of the people who were convicted on Jan. 6, 2021-related crimes.
- He's also floated implementing steep tariffs that many GOP lawmakers fear could hurt the economy.
- He has demanded unilateral power to confirm his nominees without a majority. This would happen through "recess appointments," which are meant for emergencies.
Read more: 'Trump's bold moves to test loyalties of GOP senators'
To quote Mulan, "let's get down to business!": Republicans have geared up for leadership elections this week. Sens. John Thune (S.D.), John Cornyn (Texas) and Rick Scott (Fla.) are battling to replace outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
Meanwhile, Democrats are still feeling totally dejected, but lawmakers and staffers are moving toward strategies for how to push back. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has been chatting with allies on their resistance plans, according to Axios.
Related read, via The Atlantic: 'The Democrats' Senate Nightmare Is Only Beginning'
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