What’s On Tap for the Lame Duck Session: If you look at previous lame duck sessions, they are indeed historically pretty lame. While hopes are high to accomplish any number of things, Congress typically only does those things that are absolutely necessary, such as funding the government. The negotiations over appropriations levels begin in earnest this week when the 12 Appropriations Subcommittees release their fiscal 2021 spending bills on Tuesday. Congress has until December 11 to come to an agreement before the government would be forced to shut down.
Coronavirus relief and stimulus is still in the picture, but the dynamics have changed significantly. Republicans appear to have held onto their majority in the Senate—though there are two races in Georgia to be decided in a runoff election on January 5, 2021. The election outcome strengthened Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) position to such a degree that he publicly announced he was taking over negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- Calif.), effectively cutting out Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. McConnell points to improving jobs numbers and unemployment rate as evidence a large, sweeping relief package is not warranted. Speaker Pelosi is still seeking a package in the $2 trillion range.
Election Results Still Coming In
As things stand right now, Joe Biden has secured the electoral votes needed to be declared president-elect. The states of North Carolina and Georgia have not been called yet, but they appear to be split with President Trump carrying North Carolina and President-Elect Biden carrying Georgia. If the race ends thusly, Biden will have secured 306 electoral votes—exactly the number I predicted on August 17, 2020.
Senate Results
Republicans appear to be on track to retain the majority in the Senate. With the two seats in Geogia heading to a runoff and the race in Alaska not-yet called, Republicans control 49 seats to Democrats’ 48. Republican Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) is currently in the lead with 58% of precincts reporting.
House Results
Republicans look poised to make significant gains in the House of Representatives, though not enough to retake the majority. About 20 House contests have yet to be called for either candidate, but the Republican candidates in 11 of the 20 are currently in the lead. At the moment, Democrats control 215 seats and Republicans hold 200. Unless the vote tallies change, Democrats will see their majority shrink from 232-197 to 224 – 211.
###
Washington Weekly Update is a benefit of your NCA membership. If you have any questions, would like further information on these or any other issues affecting the club industry or would like to get more involved with our advocacy efforts, please contact me at [email protected] or 202-822-9822.