Congress is often compared to school, and just like school, attendance will become a major focus in the 119th Congress. With a small majority, House Republicans will need to ensure that every member is present for crucial votes to push their legislative agenda forward.
The GOP majority is slim, with only a four-seat margin. This means that House Republicans can only afford to have one defector on each roll call vote without needing help from the other side. Any more than that could result in a tie, which by rule, loses in the House.
Special elections will be held to fill the seats of departing Republicans, further complicating the delicate balance of power in the House. With the potential resignations of Reps. Elise Stefanik and Michael Waltz to join the Trump Administration, the Republican majority could dwindle even further.
On the Democratic side, concerns about the health and attendance of key members like Rep. David Scott and Rep. Raul Grijalva raise questions about their ability to fully oppose Republicans and make life difficult for the majority. Full attendance will be crucial for Democrats to effectively counter the GOP’s agenda.
Overall, the 119th Congress will be a test of attendance and reliability for both parties. With the fate of key legislation hanging in the balance, every member’s presence will be essential in determining the direction of the House. So, as the new Congress convenes on January 3rd, all eyes will be on who shows up and who doesn’t, shaping the course of legislative battles to come.
