WASHINGTON – Although Republicans won’t officially control Congress until January, lawmakers from both parties are adjusting to a new climate on Capitol Hill this week. GOP leaders are setting the stage to advance President-elect Donald Trump’s initiatives, while Democrats are reflecting on their losses from the 2024 elections.

As the sunlight streamed down on the Capitol’s marble steps Wednesday morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stood behind a podium that prominently displayed the words “New Day” in bright red. Johnson described the bright weather as a “reflection” of the upbeat mood among Republicans.

“We are raising an ‘America First’ banner for this place,” he declared. Following the decisive victory of President-elect Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, Republicans not only held onto the House but also gained enough seats to secure the Senate.

This new majority gives the GOP significant power to implement major changes in policy next year. Johnson previously promised supporters that under Republican leadership, there would be “no Obamacare” and “significant reform” to healthcare.

On the other hand, Democrats were hesitant to discuss their strategy moving forward as they convened in Washington.

“We’re just on day one, so let’s keep that in perspective,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., teased on Capitol Hill Tuesday evening.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, who was reelected in a district that voted for Trump, urged his fellow Democrats to “take a deep breath.” He encouraged them to refrain from jumping to conclusions about their recent defeats now that they are back in Washington after a month in their districts.

Other Democrats who successfully navigated close elections in competitive states offered minimal guidance on how to win back voters’ confidence.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., who narrowly secured reelection with a 49.4% to 48.5% margin in a Trump-supporting state, highlighted the importance of hearing from voters from all backgrounds—stressing not to ignore any potential supporters looking toward the 2026 Midterm elections.

“We need to show up everywhere: red, purple, and blue counties,” she advised.

Republicans Prepare for a New Era

Republicans were enthusiastic in outlining their agenda for Trump’s upcoming term.

The party’s spirits lifted significantly Wednesday morning when Trump attended the House Republicans’ conference, greeting lawmakers in a hotel ballroom and asserting that it felt “great to win.”

As they made their way to the Capitol, many members radiated excitement after hearing Trump’s speech. They expressed their eagerness to support the president-elect’s plans.

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, sported a red Trump tie and $399 gold sneakers branded with Trump’s logo. “Everyone here should be joyful,” he proclaimed, smiling widely. Nehls emphasized that Republicans should fully embrace “every single word” of Trump’s vision.

“A lot of effort went into this election cycle. People are really happy about it… we’re just taking a slight victory lap,” commented Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., one of Trump’s loyal allies in Congress.

Concerning policy goals, GOP lawmakers informed YSL News that while they are still finalizing specifics, their plans align closely with Trump’s primary topics: strengthening border security, reducing taxes, and cutting back on environmental regulations to help reduce energy costs.

The Republican trifecta also sets the stage for Trump to appoint his chosen advisors.

He has already suggested several loyal senators and House members for positions in his next administration, including proposing Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for Secretary of State; Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as Attorney General; and Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., as Ambassador to the United Nations. Trump has also indicated plans to establish a Department of Government Efficiency, potentially to be led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, although it remains uncertain if this initiative will require Senate confirmation.

The proposed reforms received a warm welcome from House Republicans. Nonetheless, not all of Trump’s nominations faced approval from Democrats.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., commended Rubio’s nomination, calling him a “strong choice,” which he expressed shortly before Trump made the official announcement.

Other nominees, particularly Gaetz, faced more criticism, including from within the Republican party. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, voiced her surprise at Gaetz being nominated for the Justice Department, especially since it had previously investigated him for allegations of sex trafficking.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., stated that Gaetz would have “a lot to prove” if he hopes to secure Senate confirmation.

“We have 53 members, and there isn’t a Democrat who will support him,” Tillis remarked. “However, those who proposed this should have some insight into the process. It will definitely be an entertaining confirmation.”

(Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the party affiliations of three Congress members. Reps. Troy Nehls and Byron Donalds are Republicans, while Rep. Jared Golden is a Democrat.)