12:30 Report — Republicans’ 2025 game plan

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12:30 REPORT

Happy Thursday! What does everyone’s Spotify Wrapped look like this year? Taylor Swift obviously ran away with mine … Here’s what’s happening today:

Republicans have *zero* margin for error in the first few months of 2025.What is the GOP’s game plan for quick legislative wins for Trump?

Police are searching for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO.

McDonald’s is finally bringing back the Snack Wrap!

I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here. 

PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Hill’s 12:30 Report will not publish tomorrow. We will be back on Monday, Dec. 9. Enjoy your weekend! 🎄

💰 In Congress

 

Please, sir. Could you spare a vote?:

The November election is finally over. The last pending House race was called Tuesday night, solidifying Republicans’ 220-215 majority.

If that sounds narrow: Now factor in that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) resigned and Reps. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) are expected to move to the administration. The first special elections to replace these three House members are expected to happen in April.

That means that Republicans have a zero-vote margin of 217-215 in the first months of the second Trump administration. (A 216-216 tie vote loses in the House.)

That’s a logistical nightmare: Aside from needing complete agreement to pass anything, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will also need to factor in delayed flights, sickness, family emergencies, etc.

What’s the game........

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