Welcome, Class of 2027

Capitol Hill is crowded this week.

Newly elected lawmakers of the 120th Congress arrived for freshman orientation, and the 119th Congress returned for its lame-duck session (outgoing lawmakers, not an insult). First order of business: fund the government by December 11 to avoid a shutdown.

Also on the agenda:

• The Pentagon’s annual policy bill,
• The expired Farm Bill, which sets agriculture and food policy (think: SNAP),
• And a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth (keep scrollin’ for more on that).

The Senate also voted 73-25 to advance legislation to speed up permitting for energy and infrastructure projects.

Both parties will elect class presidents leaders before the New Year. House Republicans elected Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) yesterday to succeed Speaker Johnson (R-LA) as the GOP’s head honcho. House Democrats are expected to nominate Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to hold the Speaker’s gavel.

Curious about lame-duck legislators? We are, too. Stay tuned for TPO Explains on Saturday.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Politicians come and go, often disappointing supporters and opponents alike. Put your hope in the Lord, Who has no term limit, Who rules with compassion, and Who executes justice perfectly.

“But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. And he judges the world with righteousness; he executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The LORD is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, LORD.”
Psalm 9:7–10 (CSB) (read full passage)