Present and Accounted For: House Republicans’ small majority could make attendance a priority

As the 119th Congress prepares to reconvene, the focus will not just be on the legislative agenda, but also on the attendance of members. It’s often said that Congress is a lot like school, where the first thing they do is take attendance. However, this has not been a common practice in Congress. But that might change next year.

With a narrow majority of 219-215, the House Republicans will have to ensure that their members are present for every vote. The absence of just one Republican could jeopardize their ability to pass legislation. This will be a challenge for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who must secure an outright majority of all House members to retain his position.

Special elections will also play a role in determining the makeup of the House. With vacancies left by the resignations of Reps. Elise Stefanik and Michael Waltz, the Republican majority will be further reduced. These elections could potentially shift the balance of power in the House.

But attendance issues are not limited to the Republican side. Democrats must also ensure that all their members are present to oppose the Republican agenda. Health concerns have plagued some Democratic lawmakers, such as Reps. David Scott and Raul Grijalva, who have faced challenges due to illness. The recent deaths of several lawmakers serve as a reminder of the fragility of life in Congress.

While understanding where lawmakers stand on issues is crucial, it is equally important to know if they are actually present to vote. The coming year promises to be a test of the attendance of members in Congress. From health issues to special elections, there are numerous factors that could impact the balance of power in the House.

As we await the start of the new Congress, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill to see who is present and accounted for. The fate of legislation could very well hinge on the attendance of members, making it a pivotal factor in the functioning of Congress. Stay tuned for the latest updates from Capitol Hill as the 119th Congress gets underway.