The House of Representatives has convened for the final session of the 118th Congress. Lawmakers gathered for a pro forma session on Friday and are set to enter an immediate recess. Congress is expected to adjourn sine die at the end of the hour.
Following this session, the House will reconvene for the 119th Congress, commencing with a recorded vote on the quorum call. Subsequently, lawmakers will proceed to vote for a new speaker of the House. The outcome of this election could potentially extend to multiple rounds if Speaker Mike Johnson fails to secure a majority vote.
Several Republican representatives, including Reps. Ralph Norman, Tim Burchett, and Andy Biggs, have expressed uncertainty regarding their support for Johnson as of Friday morning.
Currently, Republicans hold 219 seats in the chamber, while Democrats hold 215 House seats. This delicate balance means that if just two Republicans vote against Johnson, his position could be at risk.
Once the House elects a new speaker, members will be sworn in for the upcoming Congress. The timeline for the speaker's appointment and the swearing-in of members remains uncertain, considering that it took lawmakers four days to elect a speaker in 2023.
