As Congress gears up for another tumultuous year in Washington, lawmakers face a daunting and divisive agenda. With a long list of pressing issues carried over from the previous year, including immigration reform, Ukraine funding, preventing a government shutdown, Biden impeachment proceedings, and the renewal of government surveillance powers, the road ahead appears treacherous. On top of these challenges, Congress must also reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the farm bill. With the first funding deadline swiftly approaching on January 19th, lawmakers must hit the ground running amidst the backdrop of the impending 2024 election.
Traditionally, an election year is not conducive to bipartisan cooperation, as political motivations tend to entrench lawmakers in their respective positions. The current Congress returns to work at a time when deep divisions persist over contentious issues, exemplified by the impeachment inquiry launched just before the end of December. The historically unproductive track record of this Congress, having passed a meager 27 bills in the 118th Congress, further dims hopes for productive governance. While some conservatives may dispute this metric, the basic task of funding the government remains a priority that demands attention.
The looming question remains whether a government shutdown will materialize early in the year, or whether Congress will resort to the familiar pattern of crisis-to-crisis governance. The abrupt departure of Kevin McCarthy, who had sought to be the speaker of the House, adds an additional layer of uncertainty. As deadlines draw nearer, with the first being on January 19th, the possibility of a partial government shutdown looms overhead. Discontent within the Republican conference regarding funding decisions compounds the challenge faced by Speaker Mike Johnson, and it remains to be seen whether he can rally his caucus and find common ground with the Senate.
Of particular concern is the explosive immigration issue, with border security and asylum seekers remaining at the forefront. While there are glimmers of potential progress on strengthening border security and addressing the needs of asylum seekers, the impasse on governmental funding raises doubts about reaching a consensus. The contentious nature of this issue has further intensified in the aftermath of the holiday season, making a resolution even more elusive.
As Congress embarks on its new session, the obstacles appear immense. Lawmakers must navigate a minefield of partisan politics, competing interests, and unresolved crises. The year ahead promises to be one filled with political brinkmanship as both sides jockey for position leading up to the 2024 election. Only time will tell if the current Congress can rise above the challenges and deliver on the pressing needs of the nation.
