119th Congress Outlook: House of Representatives

119th Congress Outlook: House of Representatives 

Republicans Retain Majority –Mike Johnson (R-LA) Reelected Speaker of the House 

Republicans will maintain control of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress and continue pursuing an ambitious conservative agenda. Legislative priorities will likely emphasize national security, economic growth, energy independence, and the promotion of fiscal discipline across federal programs. 

In this week’s leadership election, House Republicans renominated Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to serve as the Speaker of the House. This choice signals the party’s commitment to advancing a unified policy agenda grounded in conservative values and reflecting priorities established during the Trump administration’s previous term. The official election of the Speaker for the 119th Congress will occur on Jan. 3, 2025. 

This memo details the anticipated objectives for several key committees, emphasizing alignment with President-elect Trump’s America First agenda. The LSN Federal Team will keep you updated as decisions continue to be made. 

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson 

After a tenure of less than 7 years in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson was given the honor of serving in this position faster than any person in history except for Speaker John Carlisle in 1883. Following his reelection, Johnson stated about the 119th Congress: “It’s clear the American people do want secure borders. They want to prevent terrorists and criminals from entering the country. These things are common sense. They want and deserve lower costs for groceries and gasoline. They want us to project strength on the world stage again, and not the weakness that we have projected for the last four years. They want an end to the wokeness and the radical gender ideology and a return to common sense in our children’s classrooms and corporate boardrooms and government agencies. And we’re going to ensure all that’s true.” 

The Speaker maintains a strong relationship with President-elect Trump and will be critical to advancing his agenda through Capitol Hill. 

 Agriculture Committee 

Presumptive Chair – Glenn Thompson (R-PA) 

As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Glenn “GT” Thompson prioritizes aligning farm support programs with producers’ needs, expanding market access, and promoting conservation through voluntary, incentive-based initiatives. He aims to strengthen transparency, foster rural community development, and balance nutrition assistance programs, ensuring they effectively serve agricultural and consumer interests. Passing and overseeing the implementation of a new Farm Bill is a key priority for the committee in the 119th Congress. 

Appropriations Committee 

Presumptive Chair – Tom Cole (R-OK) 

Under Chairman Cole’s leadership, the House Appropriations Committee will focus on fiscal discipline by reducing federal spending and reallocating funds to align with conservative values and President-elect Trump’s budgetary goals. Key targets for cuts include non-defense discretionary spending in areas like education, environmental programs, health research, and social welfare, emphasizing shifting education responsibilities to state and local governments. Additionally, the committee plans to streamline federal agencies by reducing administrative overhead, consolidating offices, and encouraging cost-saving measures to reinforce a leaner, more efficient government structure.  

Armed Services Committee 

Presumptive Chair – Mike Rogers (R-AL) 

In the 119th Congress, the Armed Services Committee will advance President-elect Trump’s national security agenda by prioritizing military readiness, modernization, and deterrence against adversaries like China and Russia. 

With increased defense funding, the committee will focus on upgrading fighter jets, naval vessels, and missile defenses while investing in emerging technologies such as hypersonics, AI, and cybersecurity. Emphasizing the Space Force for satellite defense and surveillance, the committee also aims to modernize the nuclear triad to maintain a credible deterrent. The committee will prioritize traditional military values and limit social initiatives that might impact unit cohesion, aligning with Senator Wicker’s emphasis on bolstering the Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps. 

Energy and Commerce 

Presumptive Chair – Rep. Brett Guthrie or Rep. Bob Latta 

The 119th Congress will bring changes to the House Committee on Energy & Commerce as the current Chair, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) is retiring. Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Bob Latta (R-OH) are both vying for the lead. On the Democratic side, Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) is expected to remain the top Democrat on the committee. 

The committee will advance President-elect Trump’s goal of American energy dominance by seeking to expand domestic energy production, streamline permitting processes, and revise environmental regulations. Priorities include overhauling the permitting process, limiting NEPA review durations, and revising Clean Air and Water Act provisions that affect fossil fuel production. The committee also plans to phase out subsidies for renewables like solar and wind, promoting a market-driven approach that encourages fair competition with fossil fuels. 

Judiciary

Presumptive Chair – Jim Jordan (R-OH) 

The House Committee on the Judiciary will be key in advancing President-elect Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. Efforts will focus on strengthening the U.S.-Mexico border through enhanced security measures. To reinforce federal immigration laws, the committee may collaborate with DHS to encourage state and local compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, possibly tying federal grants to adherence to immigration policies. 

Additionally, the committee will aim to reduce job incentives for undocumented immigrants by expanding E-Verify requirements and pursuing a visa overhaul that prioritizes skilled, high-value immigrants. This would reflect Trump’s merit-based immigration philosophy and tailor the H-1B visa program to better meet economic needs. 

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee 

Presumptive Chair – Sam Graves (R-MO) or Rick Crawford (R-AR) 

Republican Caucus rules currently prevent Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) from continuing as House Transportation Committee chair next term unless he obtains a waiver, which he has indicated he will seek. However, his name is also under consideration for Secretary of Transportation, and if he is not granted the waiver, Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) is likely to take over as the top Republican on the committee, with Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) expected to remain as Ranking Member. 

The committee will be positioned to advance Trump’s infrastructure, aviation, and surface transportation priorities, focusing heavily on deregulating the aviation industry to promote innovation, competitiveness, and improved passenger experiences. The committee’s flagship legislation will be the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, aimed at expanding infrastructure and modernizing federal highway, transit, and rail programs, with streamlined NEPA review processes and greater state flexibility to enhance connectivity, particularly in rural areas. 

Ways and Means 

Presumptive Chair – Jason Smith (R-MO) 

Under Republican leadership, the House Ways and Means will play a crucial role in advancing the Trump administration’s economic agenda, primarily focusing on growth-oriented tax reform that builds on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Key objectives include further tax cuts for businesses and high-income individuals, extending individual tax cuts to prevent tax increases for middle- and upper-income earners, and sustaining relief aimed at supporting small businesses and middle-class families to enhance disposable incomes, consumer spending, and long-term growth.