The 119th United States Congress, which convened on January 3, 2025, is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This Congress is notable for its Republican majority in both chambers, marking the first time since 2019 that Republicans have full control of Congress.
Senate Composition:
Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats, including independents who caucus with them, control 47 seats.
Key leadership positions include John Thune as Senate Majority Leader and Chuck Schumer as Senate Minority Leader.
House of Representatives Composition:
Republicans have a narrow majority with 220 seats, while Democrats hold 215 seats.
Mike Johnson serves as the Speaker of the House, with Steve Scalise as the House Majority Leader and Hakeem Jeffries as the House Minority Leader.
Key Priorities:
Immigration and Border Security: Republicans aim to implement stricter immigration policies and enhance border security measures.
Economic Policies: Extending tax cuts from Trump's first term and focusing on energy policy are top priorities.
Healthcare and Social Security: Potential reforms to healthcare regulations and Social Security are on the agenda.
Despite the Republican majority, internal party dynamics and the need for consensus-building will play a crucial role in determining the success of their legislative agenda. The effectiveness of this Congress will depend on how well it navigates these complexities and addresses key voter concerns.
The 119th Congress has welcomed a number of new members, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds to Capitol Hill. Here are some highlights:
Ruben Gallego (D-AZ): Replacing Kyrsten Sinema, Gallego brings experience from the U.S. House of Representatives and the Arizona House of Representatives.
Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE): Taking over from Tom Carper, she previously served as Delaware Secretary of Labor.
Jim Banks (R-IN): Replacing Mike Braun, Banks has served in the U.S. House since 2017 and is an Afghanistan War veteran.
Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD): Replacing Ben Cardin, Alsobrooks was the Prince George's County Executive and State Attorney.
Elissa Slotkin (D-MI): Replacing Debbie Stabenow, Slotkin has experience as Assistant Secretary of Defense.
Tim Sheehy (R-MT): Defeating Jon Tester, Sheehy is the CEO of Bridger Aerospace and a former U.S. Navy SEAL.
Bernie Moreno (R-OH): Defeating Sherrod Brown, Moreno is a car sales businessman.
Dave McCormick (R-PA): Replacing Bob Casey Jr., McCormick was Under Secretary of the Treasury and CEO of Bridgewater Associates.
John Curtis (R-UT): Replacing Mitt Romney, Curtis was the Mayor of Provo.
Shomari Figures (D-AL): Representing Alabama's newly created 2nd Congressional District, Figures was Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Nick Begich III (R-AK): Defeating Mary Peltola, Begich is a software businessman and former Alaska Policy Forum Board member.
Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ): Replacing Ruben Gallego, Ansari served on the Phoenix City Council.
Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ): Replacing Debbie Lesko, Hamadeh has a background in law enforcement.
These new members bring a mix of professional backgrounds, political experience, and personal stories that reflect the diverse fabric of the United States. Their contributions will shape the legislative agenda and impact the direction of the country in the coming years.
Is there a specific new member you're particularly interested in learning more about?
Here are some of the more popular returning members of the 119th Congress and their agendas:
John Thune (R-SD): As the Senate Majority Leader, Thune is focused on advancing the Republican legislative agenda, which includes immigration reform, tax cuts, and deregulation. He aims to streamline the legislative process and ensure that key bills are passed efficiently.
Chuck Schumer (D-NY): Serving as the Senate Minority Leader, Schumer is committed to protecting Democratic priorities, such as healthcare access, climate change initiatives, and voting rights. He plans to work on building bipartisan coalitions to advance these issues.
Lindsey Graham (R-SC): Known for his strong stance on national security and defense, Graham is expected to push for increased military spending and support for veterans. He also aims to address immigration reform and judicial appointments.
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): Warren continues to champion consumer protection, financial regulation, and economic equality. She plans to introduce legislation aimed at reducing student loan debt and expanding access to affordable healthcare.
Mike Johnson (R-LA): As the Speaker of the House, Johnson's agenda includes passing immigration reform, enhancing border security, and extending tax cuts from Trump's first term. He aims to unify the Republican caucus and ensure the smooth passage of key legislation.
Steve Scalise (R-LA): The House Majority Leader, Scalise is focused on advancing the Republican agenda, including energy policy, deregulation, and healthcare reform. He plans to work closely with Johnson to build consensus within the party.
Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY): As the House Minority Leader, Jeffries is committed to protecting Democratic priorities, such as voting rights, criminal justice reform, and climate change initiatives. He aims to build bipartisan support for these issues and hold the Republican majority accountable.
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): Although no longer Speaker, Pelosi remains a powerful figure in the House. Her agenda includes protecting healthcare access, advancing women's rights, and addressing income inequality. She plans to use her experience and influence to support Democratic initiatives.
These returning members bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the 119th Congress. Their agendas reflect the priorities of their respective parties and will shape the legislative landscape in the coming years. As they navigate the complexities of governance, their ability to build coalitions and address key voter concerns will be crucial to their success.
