The 118th Congress begins today, January 3rd, 2023, bringing divided leadership to Washington, D.C. The Republican party is now in control of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is made up of 222 Republicans and 212 Democrats (and one vacancy). The U.S. Senate will continue to be led by the Democratic party, which has 48 Senate seats. The Republicans have 49, but the Senate includes three independents who all caucus with the Democrats, which is how the Democrats have retained their majority with an effective split of 51-49.
This week, the House will attempt to elect a Speaker, who must be named before the new Congress can begin its legislative business. At the time of this writing, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who has served as the GOP minority leader for several years, is working to overcome intraparty opposition to secure the post. Senate leadership will remain the same, with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) serving as majority leader and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as minority leader.
A new Congress means that all legislation introduced in the last Congressional session but not passed and signed into law is now effectively erased. PIA has already started working with congressional allies to begin reintroducing bills important to independent insurance agents.
PIA will continue to advocate for policies that help independent insurance agents protect consumers: reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); supporting the repeal of the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), and working with Congress on reauthorizing the Farm Bill, particularly with regard to crop insurance.
PIA looks forward to working with members of the new Congress.
PIA Advocacy Blog 