Republicans on Capitol Hill are laying the groundwork to push an ambitious agenda with President-elect Donald Trump if they take full control of Washington next January. Party leaders believe the rare Republican trifecta is now within reach.
And now it’s ready to use.
Their goal is to quickly begin drafting the Trump administration’s big agenda, starting with a big economic package centered on taxes, energy policy, border security and deregulation, two people familiar with the discussions said. That’s what it means.
With many tax provisions set to expire at the end of 2025, Republican leaders have been dreaming of even more expansive tax policy.
Also on the table is the possibility of rolling back some of President Joe Biden’s signature anti-inflation laws. The bill is a sweeping economic and climate bill passed when Democrats consolidated power early in the Biden administration, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN.
Republicans also have a chance on other important issues, like House Republicans’ hard-line immigration proposal, which has stalled since passing the floor last year because Senate Democrats and President Biden strongly opposed the plan. I think there is.
Remember: Now that Republicans have a majority in the Senate, implementing President Trump’s policies will depend on them maintaining a majority in the House. CNN has not yet released a forecast for the race for control of the House. But with key elections in Pennsylvania and Michigan leading party leaders to expect a clean sweep in sight, Republican leaders are confident they can maintain a slim majority.
Even with unified Republican control, there will be challenges ahead for Republicans. Part of the problem is political calculation. House Republicans don’t think it matters much if they retain their majority. Mike Johnson is expected to retain his chair, but will likely have only a few votes left. And the current slim majority is beset by divisions and obstacles.
Read more about the Republican agenda.
CNN’s Danya Gainor contributed to this report.
