WASHINGTON–The 116th Congress of the United States will officially open today at noon ET, with credit union representatives on hand for the numerous receptions and open houses that are scheduled.
Most of the focus will be on the House, where control switches back to the Democrats and because the legislative agenda will be in part dominated by efforts to address the current partial federal government shutdown.
Following tradition, once the House convenes a quorum call will be made and the Speaker of the House will be elected. Barring any unforeseen developments, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will become Speaker and, once sworn in, will then swear in the other members of the House. Party leadership will also be announced, and the chamber will elect its various officers.
CUNA’s chief advocacy officer, Ryan Donovan, said it’s expected one of the first orders of business as part of the adoption of rules will be to expand the maximum number of House Financial Services Committee subcommittees, with new HFSC Chair Maxine Waters (D-CA) seeking to add a subcommittee on diversity.
Other resolutions are likely to be passed, and there will be potential votes on funding portions of the government, such as the Department of Homeland Security.
The Senate, where Republicans are maintaining control, will go through many of the same procedural steps. The Senate calendar remains uncertain.
“CUNA and the leagues will have a significant presence on Capitol Hill (today),” said Donovan. “A tradition on Swearing In Day, a number of members will be hosting open houses. It’s a good way to get to know the new members and their new staffs.”
Donovan added CUNA and the leagues will also be paying even more attention to the shutdown, which he said was downplayed somewhat during the holidays. But now many federal employees are approaching another missed paycheck.