New US Congress begins work with Republicans in control of both chambers

The new US Congress, formed after the November 2024 elections, is set to begin its work on January 3.

For the first time since 2019, the Republican Party has secured a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, giving them significant power to advance their legislative agenda, Caliber.Az reports referring to US media.

In the previous Congress, Republicans controlled the House of Representatives, while Democrats held the Senate. Now, with control of both chambers, Republicans are positioned to support the agenda of President-elect Donald Trump, who defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Trump's inauguration is scheduled for January 20 in Washington.

One of the key tasks for Congress on its first day will be the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Currently, Mike Johnson holds the position, and a vote on the leadership will take place shortly after 12 p.m. The newly elected Speaker will then swear in the other members of the House.

In 2023, it took former Speaker Kevin McCarthy 15 rounds of voting to secure the gavel, delaying the swearing-in of new members for several days. McCarthy was later ousted, and it took Republicans another three weeks to rally behind Johnson. The Louisiana Republican is hoping to continue in the role but faces some opposition within his own party after a recent contentious dispute over government funding.

Once the Senate convenes on January 3, it will swear in its members and proceed with other business. In the House, typically, members from each party will nominate a candidate for Speaker ahead of a vote.

In November, Republicans and Democrats separately chose their leadership nominees. Johnson has secured the support of Republicans for another term, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York will be nominated by the Democrats. However, members are not bound to vote for these candidates and could choose another nominee or abstain from voting.

The Speaker election will take place through a roll-call vote, where each member announces their vote aloud. The candidate who secures a majority of votes will win the position. If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, the vote will be repeated until a winner is determined.

Republicans gained control of the Senate in the November elections, now holding 53 seats, while Democrats, including independents who caucus with them, control 47 seats. In the House, Republicans won 220 seats, while Democrats secured 215.

However, with President-elect Trump selecting two Republican members for his administration and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida stating he will not take his seat, the Republicans' majority has been slightly reduced to 219-215. Johnson will need 218 votes to win the Speaker election if all members are present and voting.

By Tamilla Hasanova