Hill Republicans ready ambitious agenda as they hope for full sweep of Washington

Republicans on Capitol Hill are gearing up to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump if they secure total control of Washington next January. Party leaders are optimistic about the possibility of a GOP trifecta and have been diligently preparing for this scenario for months.

The goal is to swiftly draft significant pieces of legislation that align with the Trump administration’s agenda. This includes a major economic package focusing on taxes, energy policy, border security, and deregulation. House and Senate GOP leaders have been holding policy meetings and discussions with committee leaders to outline key conservative policy wins that they can achieve with a unified Republican government.

With Republicans already winning control of the Senate, the focus now shifts to the House. While the final outcome is still being determined, key pickups in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan have buoyed party leaders’ hopes for a GOP majority. Speaker Mike Johnson, who has a close relationship with Trump, is already in talks with the president-elect about their shared priorities.

If Republicans do secure control of both chambers, challenges lie ahead in terms of narrow majorities and internal divisions. However, the House GOP conference has become more aligned with Trump’s agenda over the years, which could facilitate smoother collaboration.

Key priorities for Republicans include a new tax package, addressing expiring tax provisions, and potentially rolling back parts of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. House Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee have been working on changes to existing tax policy in anticipation of a GOP sweep.

Messaging around issues like the cost of living, crime, and border security has been effective in securing wins for Republicans in key races. Lawmakers are emboldened to pursue an agenda centered on these issues and are also eyeing other big-ticket items like hardline immigration proposals.

To navigate the legislative process, Republicans are considering a strategy similar to the one Democrats used in the past, ensuring there is something for everyone in major pieces of legislation. Procedural hurdles in the Senate, including budget rules, will need to be overcome to pass significant legislation.

Looking ahead to 2025, Republicans will also need to address looming deadlines for must-pass bills like government funding, the debt limit, and Cabinet confirmations. The government funding fight will be a top priority for Speaker Johnson as he seeks to navigate a potentially contentious process with Democrats.

Overall, Republicans are optimistic about the prospect of a GOP trifecta and are prepared to work closely with President-elect Trump to advance their shared priorities. The coming months will be crucial for shaping the legislative agenda and achieving key policy wins in a unified Republican government.