House Republicans are headed into the next Congress with an even slimmer majority that will temporarily shrink to a zero-seat advantage in the early months of Donald Trump’s presidency, imperiling his ambitious agenda.
Republicans hoped the last remaining congressional race in the country would give them a much-needed cushion. Democrat Adam Gray’s victory over Rep. John Duarte in California on Tuesday whittled the House Republicans’ majority to 220 seats to Democrats’ 215, one of the smallest majorities in nearly a century.
That majority will temporarily shrink to 217 seats, thanks to lawmakers resigning to serve in President Trump’s Cabinet. This effectively gives Republicans no room for error during his first 100 days, which are viewed as crucial to implementing major parts of his agenda. One Republican defection on a bill would result in a 216-216 tie and a defeat of the legislation if all members are present and no Democrats vote with the Republicans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, shrugged off the zero-seat margin, at least for a couple of months. He said Republicans have developed an “expertise” in having little wiggle room.
“So yes, do the math; we have nothing to spare,” Mr. Johnson said. “But all of our members know that. We talked about that today, as we do constantly, because this is a team effort, that we’ve got to all row in the same direction.”
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Republicans hoped the last remaining congressional race in the country would give them a much-needed cushion. Democrat Adam Gray’s victory over Rep. John Duarte in California on Tuesday whittled the House Republicans’ majority to 220 seats to Democrats’ 215, one of the smallest majorities in nearly a century.
That majority will temporarily shrink to 217 seats, thanks to lawmakers resigning to serve in President Trump’s Cabinet. This effectively gives Republicans no room for error during his first 100 days, which are viewed as crucial to implementing major parts of his agenda. One Republican defection on a bill would result in a 216-216 tie and a defeat of the legislation if all members are present and no Democrats vote with the Republicans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, shrugged off the zero-seat margin, at least for a couple of months. He said Republicans have developed an “expertise” in having little wiggle room.
“So yes, do the math; we have nothing to spare,” Mr. Johnson said. “But all of our members know that. We talked about that today, as we do constantly, because this is a team effort, that we’ve got to all row in the same direction.”
More
House Republicans brace for zero-seat majority in early days of upcoming Congress
House Republicans are headed into next year with an even slimmer majority that will temporarily shrink to a zero-seat advantage in the early months of President-elect Donald Trump’s presidency, imperiling his ambitious agenda.
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