**WASHINGTON (Reuters)** — President-elect Donald Trump’s Republican Party is projected to control both chambers of Congress when he takes office in January, giving him the leverage to advance his agenda of tax cuts and reducing the size of the federal government, according to Edison Research.
Republicans are expected to secure at least 218 votes, the majority needed in the 435-seat House of Representatives, though nine races are still undecided. In the Senate, they have already secured a majority of at least 52-48, with one race still pending after the November 5 elections.
During his first term (2017-2021), Trump’s major legislative achievement was a sweeping tax cut, which is set to expire next year. Both this legislation and President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure package were passed when their respective parties controlled both houses of Congress.
In contrast, over the past two years of divided government, Biden has struggled to pass significant legislation, and Congress has faced difficulties fulfilling its basic duties, such as funding the government.
The Republican majority in the House has been notably divided, with internal conflicts leading to the ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy and frequent resistance to his successor, Speaker Mike Johnson. However, Trump’s influence within the party, particularly among its more hardline members, remains strong. This was demonstrated earlier this year when he successfully blocked a bipartisan deal aimed at strengthening border security.
Additionally, Trump’s influence is reinforced by a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, which includes three justices he appointed, giving him further support for his policy initiatives.
In the short term, the Republican victory is likely to shape the House’s post-election “lame duck” session. With year-end deadlines looming, Congress must pass funding measures to prevent a government shutdown during the holiday season and extend the debt ceiling to avoid a historic default. One potential outcome is passing temporary measures that would allow the incoming Trump administration to weigh in on these issues when it takes office on January 20. The new Congress will convene on January 3.
