WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As Congress returns to Washington, they’ve got several important matters to figure out, including keeping the government funded.
On top of that, Republicans are eager to begin confirmation of President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks.
A short-term extension passed earlier this year ends in December, that means Congress has to pass a spending bill or face a government shutdown.
Some conservative lawmakers are pressing House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) not to cave on their demands for massive spending cuts.
With a slim GOP majority, Speaker Johnson has little wiggle room if hard-right members of his party try to block a spending deal.
In the meantime, Senate Republicans will choose a new Senate majority leader this week to replace current majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who opted not to seek leadership again.
Congress will soon begin confirming President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks. So far, announced positions that need Senate confirmation include U.N. ambassador, a role the president-elect nominated Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) for and secretary of state, which reports say the president-elect plans to nominate Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
Reports also indicate Mr. Trump will nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for Secretary of Homeland Security which also needs Senate confirmation.
Senate Republicans say they believe they can get much of that work done by the time Mr. Trump is inaugurated in January.
