Senate to Swear in New Members - This Week in Congress

The Senate is set to swear in two new members at noon on Wednesday, as Senator-elect Doug Jones (D-AL) and Senator-designate Tina Smith (D-MN). The former fills the seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, while the latter was appointed to replace Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) whose resignation over alleged sexual misconduct is expected to be finalized Tuesday.

Once the two new senators are seated, the Senate’s balance of power will shift slightly, with Republicans’ majority shrinking by one seat to a 51-49 advantage. That means the GOP can only afford to lose one vote and still have the ability to pass reconciliation bills or confirm nominees on a party-line vote. It also increases Democrats’ leverage on issues when a 60-vote threshold is required.

Wednesday evening the Senate will vote on the confirmation of John Rood to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The Senate’s agenda for the rest of the week is yet to be announced.

The House was scheduled to be join the Senate by convening on Wednesday, but this week’s session has been cancelled so the lower chamber is now set to return to the Capitol on Monday January 8.

Check here throughout the week to see the vote results and updates to the schedule.

Schedule subject to change. All times Eastern.

House

All Week *

• The House is out and will return Monday, January 8.

Senate

Wednesday after 5:30pm

• Confirmation vote on the nomination of John Rood to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Confirmed 81-7.

Rest of the Week

• Votes are canceled due to an incoming storm.

You can tell your reps how to vote on this week's bills using the "Take Action" button.

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— Eric Revell