Overview
- Speaker Mike Johnson swore in Texas Democrat Christian Menefee on Monday evening, setting the House at 218 Republicans and 214 Democrats with three seats vacant.
- If all members are present, losing more than one GOP vote produces a 216-216 tie that fails under House rules, leaving almost no margin for party-line measures.
- A vote as soon as Tuesday on a Senate-backed funding compromise to end a partial shutdown will test Republican unity on the procedural rule and final passage.
- The margin tightened after Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned and Doug LaMalfa died; Georgia begins its special-election process in March, while California’s contest is not slated until August.
- Frequent GOP dissenter Thomas Massie has opposed major bills this Congress, further constraining leadership’s ability to pass legislation without Democratic support.