Upon its return on November 14, the House is scheduled to be in session for 16 days during November and December, with the Senate scheduled for 20 days. Much of the legislative work of the lame-duck will occur after the Thanksgiving recess. While there are a limited number of legislative days left this year, there are a few items that are strong candidates for action, such as Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations, the annual National Defense Authorization Act, and the Water Resources Development Act. There are also various other measures that could see action before the conclusion of the 114th Congress.
Leadership Elections: Aside from legislative work, the lame-duck will also see the House and Senate elect new leaders for the next congress. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is expected to remain GOP leader, whether his party is in the majority or minority. Democrats will have a new leader regardless of the outcome of the election, with Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) retiring at the end of this congress. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is nearly certain to be elected the new Democratic leader – whether that means he is Majority Leader or Minority Leader. In the House of Representatives, the GOP is potentially facing turbulence with the House Freedom Caucus unhappy with Speaker Paul Ryan (RWI) and his distance from the party’s presidential nominee. His tenure as Speaker could depend on how many seats the GOP potentially loses on November 8th and whether a credible challenger for the speakership emerges. House Democrats are expected to retain Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as their leader.
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