While the calendar may have December 31 as the end of the old year; in Washington 2020 culminates with three big days next week.

Sunday, January 3: A little parliamentary lesson: A Congress lasts two years, and then a new Congress begins. The current Congress is the 116th and on Sunday at exactly noon, January 3, by law the new Congress – the 117th – begins. Any bill not passed and signed by the President by noon on Sunday dies and must begin the legislative process all over again. This is why the clock is on Senator McConnell’s side to stop the $2000 payment. It also explains why he wants to override the President’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act no later than Saturday. The President’s veto will stand if not overridden by the current Congress.

Tuesday, January 5: Georgia holds its decisive Senate runoff with control of the Senate hanging in the balance. While press reports focus on high Democratic early turnout we saw in November that Republicans turn out on Election Day in big numbers. Incumbent Republican Senators in Iowa, Maine, NC, and SC were all in trouble with weak polling numbers; but all won and helped to hold the Republican’s majority. The Senate lineup before Georgia is 50 Republicans and 48 Democrats, so a sweep by Dems on Tuesday would give control of the Senate to Democrats, with big implications for Biden nominees and legislation.

One interesting scenario would be a Democratic sweep on Tuesday and then if President Trump is willing to work with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Charles Schumer, leader of the Senate Democrats, he could get the $2000 stimulus payments approved in the final days of his Administration. A big win on stimulus checks would be a great legacy-building action and an accomplishment to kick off his 2024 campaign.

Wednesday, January 6: This is the day set by law for the Congress to make the final count of the Electoral College. Some Republicans have indicated that in a seldom used procedure they will move to block the Electoral College results from several swing states won by President-elect Joseph Biden. The rules state that there can be an objection of each state.

An objection must be made by at least one Member of the House and Senate and then each body considers the objection and reports back to a joint session. Since the House is controlled by Democrats there is no chance that an objection would be accepted. Plus, several Republicans have indicated they too will not object and hence it is unlikely the Senate will throw out the results from any state.

This vote will be a tough vote for some Republicans where they will need to balance overturning an election certified by their state or show a lack of loyalty to their President. The decision is likely to follow them for the remainder of their political careers.

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