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provide updates about leadership and committee changes, new faces in the 115th Congress, and legislative issues that the new Congress will need to address in its early months. 2016 ELECTION UPDATE As you know, Republicans maintained control of both the House and Senate. While a couple of races remain uncalled as of Nov. 22, we know that the Republicans kept their losses at a minimum in the House and held control of the Senate. A few elections still have yet to be called: In Louisiana, a Dec. 10 runoff will determine who will win the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Sen. David Vitter, as well as the 3rd and 4th Congressional districts in the U.S. House. In California, a recount is underway in the 49th Congressional district in the U.S. House. GOVERNMENT FUNDING Funding for the federal government expires on Dec. 9, meaning Congress will need to pass a spending bill to fund the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2017 in order to avoid a government shutdown. Here is the latest update on status of a funding bill: Funding Bill Update: As discussions continue, all indications right now are that Congress will pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) through the first quarter of 2017. House Republican leaders and President-election Donald Trump's transition team all seem to be advocating for this path forward. However, Senators from both political parties have raised strong objections, as they would prefer to finish appropriations work this year. None of the Senators have gone so far as to threaten to shut down the government over the move. By punting the funding bill into March, the incoming Trump administration will have a final say in FY 2017 spending decisions. LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS Besides passing a spending bill (more on that below) during the lame duck, Congress is holding leadership elections and we're also seeing committee chair shake-ups. House Republican Leadership Elections: The House GOP conference held internal elections on Nov. 15, displaying a sign of unity by re-nominating House Speaker Paul Ryan to continue as Speaker in the 115th Congress. Keep in mind Ryan still has to be elected by winning a majority of votes by the full House when the new Congress convenes. While he is expected to easily win, he could still face some defections within his own conference. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy was unanimously re-elected, as were Majority Whip Steve Scalise, GOP Policy Chairman Luke Messer, and GOP Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rogers. Rep. Steve Stivers will take over as the National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman. House Democrat Leadership Elections: Democrats in the House have postponed their leadership elections until Nov. 30, following the historical presidential election and amid concerns of internal divides and leadership. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has never faced a major challenge to her position and has held the top leadership position since 2003. Some democrats have argued that it's time for new leadership, and Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio is now challenging Pelosi. Senate Democrat Leadership Elections: Senator Chuck Schumer was elected as the Senate Democratic Leader, succeeding retiring Senator Harry Reid. His leadership team now includes ten senators, a group that encompasses more than a fifth of their caucus and could become a spur of opposition to President-Elect Trump. Two women were appointed to high-ranking positions on the Democratic side, including Sen. Patty Murray as Assistant Democratic Leader and Sen. Debbie Stabenow as Chair of the

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