The Holidays have come and gone, a brand New Year is starting, and the Wonk is back!! I hope that each of you—my faithful readers—enjoyed time with family and friends during the last several weeks. While I did not see much family—I did enjoy some much-needed rest. The Second Session of the 117th Congress begins this week. (Actually, the Senate is in town this week and the House will return next week.) Let the Wonk walk you through some of the issues which Congress may consider with this year:

Voting Rights: Many within the Democratic Party are clamouring for the Senate to take up voting rights as soon as possible. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has promised a vote by January 17th on changes to the Senate Rules if Republicans choose to oppose the consideration of voting right legislation. Wonk readers will recall that when a group of Senators wants to delay consideration of a piece of legislation, they can delay consideration by using a delay tactic called the filibuster. Moreover, Politico stated on Tuesday Senator Manchin (D-WV) said he is “deeply concerned with protecting the right to vote but also wary of major changes to the way the Senate operates. Still talking, but no commitments either way yet.” Assuming that leadership is able to get a change or suspend to the Senate Rules, the Senate will consider Voting Rights legislation.

Continuing Funding of the Government: Readers will recall that the Congress passed what’s called a Continuing Resolution to keep the Federal government open through February 18th. Programs funded via a Continuing Resolution receive funding at ‘current levels’ which means that there is no growth. Moreover, some Republicans are suggesting that the Federal government remain on a Continuing Resolution for the remainder of FY 2022.

Build Back Better: Wednesday Wonk readers already know that President Biden’s Build Back Better has been fraught with problems from the beginning. The Right says that the bill will dramatically add to the Federal deficit and could lead to much higher inflation, while the Left insists that the bill doesn’t go far enough. The most recent blow to the bill came when Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he could not in good conscience vote for the bill. President Biden vows to work with Senator Manchin to “get something done”. Moreover, Roll Call points out that if they’re unable to reach a deal, the Majority Leader “said he will have his chamber vote on a somewhat altered version of the $2.2 trillion House-passed bill that Senate committees released last month.” While it’s clearly a long shot, the Wonk sincerely believes that some form of Build Back Better become law this year. Stay tuned!

2022 Elections Loom Large: The Wonk has frankly discounted the impact of the upcoming 2022 elections. When you listen to folks in the press, they make it seem as if we’re all going to the polls day-after-tomorrow!! Moreover, the economy is steadily improving, and the infrastructure bill will undoubtedly lead to increases in employment. Then The Hill reported Charlie Cook—a nonpartisan political handicapper stated, “Republicans need to net just five seats in 2022 to recapture control of the lower chamber, a goal that appears well within reach, especially given the fact that the party of a new president tends to lose ground in Congress in midterm election years.” Let me add that many folks on both sides of the aisle listen to and respect Charlie Cook.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind as the 117th Congress gets back to work.

The Wonk also wants to take this opportunity to explain a few changes in this blog. For the next six weeks—I will only write the Wednesday Wonk every other week.

Last but not least, I have an exciting announcement coming up next week, so stay tuned for that. And while I won’t be writing the Wonk, I’ll try to send out small blurbs on politics I read which may interest my readers!!! 

Until next time,

Happy reading!!