--- title: "Senate Republicans Scramble to Maximize Influence Before New Year" url: https://newscentral.site/senate-republicans-scramble-to-maximize-influence-before-new-year/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Politics" published: 2026-11-09T15:52:59.000Z updated: 2026-11-09T16:37:24.025Z id: a47149a3-b56d-4d1a-9f80-edc36fc5c93e source: "CBS News Politics https://www.cbsnews.com/news/midterm-elections-congress-returns-lame-duck/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/senate-republicans-scramble-to-maximize-influence-before-new-year/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Senate Republicans Scramble to Maximize Influence Before New Year Lawmakers have arrived on Capitol Hill for a brief lame-duck session following last week's midterm elections, which saw significant gains for Democrats that will redefine the balance of power in Washington come January. As their majorities dwindle, Republicans are scrambling to maximize their influence during this final stretch before the new year. Their efforts aim to leave a lasting impact despite their losses. Key priorities include selecting new leaders and averting potential government shutdowns. With these pressing concerns, Republican lawmakers will focus on navigating the remaining days of their majority. Leadership elections have begun with House Republicans set to hold their vote on Tuesday, while House Democrats will convene in the following week and Senate Democrats in early December. The Senate Republican leadership elections are scheduled for this Tuesday morning, but some members are pushing for a delay in light of last week's midterm losses. Led by Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, at least a handful of senators want to reassess their approach before proceeding with the elections. Johnson has written a letter to his colleagues arguing that holding leadership elections without discussing and evaluating the candidates' leadership plans would be irresponsible. He claims that the letter will be signed by at least five of his fellow senators, as required by Senate rules. Senate leaders are grappling with the aftermath of their party's midterm losses, acknowledging that a thorough examination of what went wrong is necessary. Leadership elections for Senate Democrats are scheduled to take place early next month, as they prepare to navigate the challenges ahead. Government funding remains a pressing concern, with a deadline looming on December 11. This will force lawmakers to work under intense pressure to pass the 12 annual appropriations bills required to fund the federal government. The initial deadline of September 30 was extended when Congress approved a short-term measure earlier this year, avoiding a potentially messy funding fight ahead of the midterm elections. As lawmakers return to Capitol Hill for their final stretch of work before the new year, they face a packed agenda and mounting pressure from within their own party. The war in Iran is likely to be a contentious issue, with some Democrats looking to use their leverage to block funding for the conflict, which has been met with widespread disapproval among voters. This move could have far-reaching consequences, including a potential government shutdown that would carry over into the new Congress and distract from other pressing priorities. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership is under intense scrutiny following the Republican Party's significant losses in the midterm elections. Critics argue that his strategy on Iran has been unclear and ineffective, sparking calls for his impeachment or resignation. Congress also faces a looming deadline to pass its annual defense policy bill, which could be complicated by opposition to the Iran war and ongoing concerns about Hegseth's leadership of the Pentagon. As Congress returns from its break, the focus is shifting to contentious legislation and leadership challenges within the Republican Party. In an unusual statement, Rep. Massie hinted that he might reconsider introducing articles of impeachment against Pentagon Secretary Hegseth if he were to resign. However, other Republicans remain noncommittal about supporting the impeachment effort, with some lawmakers taking a cautious approach. For instance, Rep. French Hill of Arkansas has not explicitly stated his stance on the issue. His silence reflects the delicate balance of power within the party. The House's push for a third reconciliation bill is also facing obstacles in the Senate, where time is running out to pass key legislation. The upper chamber will return this week with a packed schedule, including confirmation hearings and votes on President Trump's administration and judicial nominees. As Congress returns from its midterm elections break, Republicans remain committed to their legislative agenda despite significant losses for the party. In a defiant tone, Pete Hegseth expressed his party's resolve in a social media video, stating "We don't back down" and implying that they will continue to push forward with their priorities. The upper chamber's packed schedule this week includes confirmation hearings and votes on key nominees, while also leaving room for potential reconciliation packages. However, such efforts could jeopardize bipartisan negotiations over appropriations bills, according to Representative Rosa DeLauro. Meanwhile, Senator John Thune had previously expressed openness to a third reconciliation bill but acknowledged the need for 50 votes, which he admitted was lacking at the time of his statement in late October. --- Source: [CBS News Politics](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/midterm-elections-congress-returns-lame-duck/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/senate-republicans-scramble-to-maximize-influence-before-new-year/