Congress Returns for Lame Duck Session and Transition Planning - November 11, 2010

Both chambers of Congress are returning next week for a much anticipated “lame duck” session. On the table for consideration are FY 2012 appropriations issues, the Medicare “doc fix,” and how to deal with expiring tax cuts, among other issues. Bipartisan negotiations on all of these issues are ongoing, but it is highly likely that with Republicans poised to take control of the House in January, Congress may seek to “punt” these issues – leaving it up to the 112th Congress to make final decisions.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are quickly moving forward with planning for their new majority. Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) is chairing the Majority Transition Committee, charged with reviewing all House procedures and structures to ensure a seamless transition into majority Republican control in January. Next week, after a meeting of the full Republican Conference, GOP leadership will appoint its Steering Committee, charged with designating chairs and committee assignments in the 112th Congress. The Steering Committee is scheduled to vote on committee chairs on Dec. 2, after Congress returns from a one-week recess for Thanksgiving. Committee assignments for new members will likely not be determined until the new Congress officially convenes in January.