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Tag: Congress

Midterm Elections: What We’re Watching

September 14, 2026

BY: Kylie Bowlds

With midterm Election Day quickly approaching, political analysts view both chambers as genuinely in play. The Cook Political Report currently gives Democrats the advantage in the fight for the House majority, and over the summer, they moved several Republican-held Senate seats to ‘competitive’ leaving more uncertainty. 

Spotlight on the Senate:  

Control of the Senate remains one of the central questions of the 2026 midterm elections. Although Republicans currently hold the majority, the outcome may hinge on a small number of races in competitive states. Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to take control in January 2027 — meaning they must retain every seat they currently have and flip four Republican-held seats. Throughout much of the cycle, analysts have viewed nine Senate races as the seats most likely to change party hands: six Republican-held seats in Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, and Alaska, and three Democratic-held seats in Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire.

More recently, two additional GOP-held seats, in Kansas and Nebraska, have emerged as potentially competitive. Democrats face an uphill climb, targeting several Republican-held seats in states that strongly backed Trump. Several other states—Montana, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and South Dakota—offer potential pickup opportunities for Democrats, but those races are widely viewed as longer-shot opportunities that would require notable upsets to flip.

From Solid Republican to Likely Republican? 

Kansas and Nebraska each present unusual circumstances that have drawn national attention to races that have not recently been contested.  

Kansas: Incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall faces Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor who explored an independent bid before running as a Democrat. Hamilton won a crowded August primary and set a state record for Senate campaign fundraising. Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.  

Nebraska: Independent Dan Osborn is challenging Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts. Previously, Osborn lost to Sen. Deb Fischer (R) by fewer than seven points in 2024 in a state President Trump carried by twenty. Osborn has said he would not caucus with either party, meaning a win here would complicate the majority math rather than settle it. 

Why does this matter? 

Unlike the House, where a national shift can move dozens of races at once, the Senate turns on a handful of states. Of course, the ‘majority party’ in each chamber essentially sets the agenda including the federal funding for key programs supported across the Lutheran Services in America network, including — Medicaid, SNAP, aging and disability services, and child welfare among them. Engagement is essential as November approaches, and as we look ahead to 2027. 

Key Toss Ups in House:  

Republican:  

  • MI-10 OPEN (James) 
  • OH-07 Miller  
  • WI-03 Van Orden  

Democrat:   

  • FL-14 Castor 

Key Toss Ups in Senate:   

Republican  

  • AK Sullivan 
  • IA OPEN (Ernst)  
  • ME Collins 
  • OH Husted  
  • TX OPEN (Cornyn) 

Democrat  

Note that “toss-up” is a narrower category than “battleground” — several of the nine battleground races, including North Carolina and Georgia, are currently rated Lean rather than Toss Up. 

What can you do now?   

With the midterms approaching and many competitive toss– up races, we encourage our members to take the following steps to stay engaged and prepared:  

  • Monitor emerging candidates in toss-up Congressional and gubernatorial races, and track redistricting in your state to identify newly competitive seats as maps evolve.  
  • Strengthen voter outreach by making sure the people you serve understand any documentation requirements and changes to voter registration processes in your state.

Kylie Bowlds is an Issue Education & External Relations Associate at Lutheran Services in America.

Midterm Elections: Current State of Play

August 18, 2026

BY: Carl Dexter

With the primaries in full swing, both Democrats and Republicans are watching key races that will shape the midterm matchups in November and ultimately determine who controls Congress next year. Upcoming primaries will give heightened insight into the direction of the Democratic party, with voters in many states choosing between moderate and progressive candidates. 

Michigan in Focus 

Michigan has emerged as one of the most closely watched battlegrounds of the 2026 election cycle. The state features both a highly competitive Senate race and one of the nation’s key House battlegrounds, making it a critical test of political trends heading into November. 

In the Senate race to replace retiring incumbent Gary Peters (D), former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee, will face Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director backed by Senator Bernie Sanders. El-Sayed secured the Democratic nomination in the August 4 primary after narrowly defeating U.S. Representative Haley Stevens approximately 48.5% to 47.5% in one of the cycle’s closest and most expensive Democratic primaries. The campaign highlighted ongoing debates within the Democratic Party over the strengths of progressive versus more centrist candidates. 

The battle for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most competitive House races in the country. Republican incumbent Tom Barrett first won the seat in 2024 with 50.3% of the vote and is seeking a second term. On August 4, Democratic voters nominated William Lawrence, a progressive organizer endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, to challenge Barrett in November. Lawrence emerged the victor following a three-way primary, setting up a closely watched general election contest in a district widely viewed as a toss-up. 

Michigan’s political landscape reflects broader national dynamics shaping the 2026 midterms. Democrats continue to navigate tensions between their progressive and moderate wings, while Republicans face the challenge of defending key seats and maintaining their congressional majorities. and maintaining their congressional majorities.  

Redistricting and State Legal Challenges 

Redistricting efforts and related legal challenges continue to contribute to uncertainty and the potential for major shake-ups post-election.  Following the April Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais—which narrowed Section Two of the Voting Rights Act—states were allowed to redraw Congressional maps ahead of the midterms, and 10 states have done so:  Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas.  Additionally, Maryland lawmakers held a special session to consider a partisan redistricting effort, while New York passed a redistricting amendment which could potentially lead to a gain of 4 Democratic seats, but which still requires another vote next year and public approval. Finally, redistricting plans were considered but failed in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, and Washington. 

Key Races to Watch 

In the House, Democratic Toss Ups include: 

  • FL-25 Moskowitz 
  • OH-09 Kaptur 
  • TX-34 Gonzalez 
  • WA-03 Perez 

Republican Toss Ups: 

  • AZ-01 Open (Schweikert) 
  • AZ-06 Ciscomani 
  • CA-22 Valadao 
  • CO-08 Evans 
  • IA-01 Miller-Meeks 
  • IA-03 Nunn 
  • MI-07 Barrett 
  • NJ-07 Kean Jr. 
  • NY-17 Lawler 
  • PA-07 Mackenzie 
  • PA-08 Bresnahan 
  • PA-10 Perry 
  • VA-02 Kiggans 
  • WI-03 Van Orden 

Senate races that are expected to be competitive include: 

  • AK Sullivan (R) 
  • ME Collins (R) 
  • MI OPEN (Peters, D) 
  • OH Husted (R)

What You Can Do Now

With so many competitive races in the fast-approaching midterms, we encourage our members to take the following steps to stay engaged and prepared: 

  • Stay connected and monitor candidates in toss-up states and districts — including congressional and gubernatorial races. 
  • Monitor state level redistricting in your state to stay aware of any newly competitive seats that emerge as maps evolve. 
  • Leverage the August Congressional Recess to schedule meetings and site visits while lawmakers are back in their states and districts for several weeks. 
  • Strengthen Voter Outreach by ensuring your communities understand potential documentation requirements and any changes to voter registration processes. 

Carl Dexter is an Intern at Lutheran Services in America.

Medicaid Cuts Remain Out of Delayed Reconciliation 3.0

August 19, 2026

BY: Sarah Dobson

The outlook for a third budget reconciliation package has weakened. Importantly, the proposal still does not include instructions for additional Medicaid funding cuts, a key concern for many providers.

Senate Republicans were unable to secure enough support for a budget resolution before leaving for the August recess. After discussions with President Trump, they agreed to postpone consideration until at least September. While Senate leaders continue to argue that additional defense and other spending priorities will eventually require a reconciliation bill, the package’s prospects before the November elections now appear increasingly uncertain.

Senate Approves CR, Setting Up House Negotiations 

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the federal government through December 11, while the House has already passed a CR running through December 4. Given the broad bipartisan support for avoiding a shutdown, some version of a CR is widely expected to pass before the October 1 funding deadline. The remaining question is whether the House accepts the Senate bill or negotiates changes before a final package is sent to the President.

Senate CR Would Block Controversial OMB Grant Rule

Of particular importance to nonprofit organizations and service providers, the Senate bill includes language championed by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) that would block implementation for the duration of the CR of the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed overhaul of federal grantmaking rules. The proposed rule would give federal agencies significantly greater authority to change grant conditions, terminate awards, or withhold funding, raising concerns that grant decisions could become politicized. The Senate provision would prevent the administration from finalizing those changes while the stopgap funding measure remains in effect, setting up a likely year-end debate when Congress revisits government funding.

What Comes Next?

For now, the CR appears considerably more likely to become law than Reconciliation 3.0. Senate leaders have acknowledged that September will be crowded with funding negotiations and other legislative priorities, making it difficult to move a major reconciliation package before the election. The delay could also complicate consideration of a potential Budget Reconciliation 4.0 later this year, as Congress may have limited time to simultaneously pursue both a revived Reconciliation 3.0 effort and a new FY 2028 budget resolution. For providers, the immediate focus remains government funding and preservation of the Senate language temporarily blocking OMB’s proposed changes to the federal grantmaking process.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Medicaid: Where Things Stand

July 16, 2026

BY: Sarah Dobson

Given the continuing challenges related to Medicaid, including further cuts in a potential third reconciliation bill and H.R. 1’s ongoing impacts, Lutheran Services in America recently held a series of meetings with key House and Senate offices, including the Senate Finance, Senate HELP, House Energy and Commerce, and House Ways and Means, along with Montana, Nebraska, and Iowa offices.

What Did We Learn?

Initial implementation of work requirements is causing confusion. Staff noted that Nebraska’s rollout is underway, with Iowa, Montana, and Arkansas beginning soon. Given the challenges already arising in Nebraska, members of Congress and their staff are eager to stay informed, especially to understand ongoing impacts. Lutheran Family Services was featured, and Chris Tonniges was quoted, in the recent NBC News Story “New Medicaid Work Requirements Prompt ‘Extreme Mass Confusion’ in Nebraska,” which illustrates the current confusion.

A third reconciliation bill?  Some staff believe a package is coming — likely to pass the House but face hurdles in the Senate — while others noted only early-stage discussion centered on tax policy. Committee jurisdiction and timing remain open questions.

The DOJ Olmstead statement is drawing concern. Multiple offices raised alarm about the statement’s implications for home- and community-based services (HCBS) and encouraged strong advocacy on the issue, including the use of strong evidence related to HCBS services.

Congress wants to hear from you. Nearly every office asked for the same things: personal stories, data — including estimates of coverage loss — and local news coverage showing district-level impact.

Take Action: Below are ways to leverage Here We Stand resources to defend Medicaid, including through the August recess:

→ Take action in two minutes. Use our turn-key advocacy tool to send a message to your lawmakers urging them not to make further cuts to Medicaid funding as part of any future budget reconciliation bill.

→ Schedule an in-district meeting. Members of Congress are home during the August recess. Our Action Guide walks you through the ask.

→ Share your impact story. How are Medicaid changes affecting your organization and the people you serve? Share your insights with us.

→ Explore the full toolkit. Messaging materials to lead the conversation in your community.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

GOP Push for Second Budget Reconciliation Accelerates Amid DHS Shutdown

April 16, 2026

BY: Sarah Dobson

Republicans are moving quickly toward a second budget reconciliation package as they seek to break the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding stalemate and advance the President’s priorities following release of his Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. Recent White House meetings with GOP leaders signal growing alignment around using reconciliation to fund immigration enforcement, with additional defense and security priorities potentially addressed in subsequent packages.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑SD), Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham (R‑SC), and House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R‑TX) are working to advance a budget resolution later this month—the procedural step required to unlock reconciliation. GOP leaders are aiming to pass an initial, narrowly scoped reconciliation bill by late May, potentially before Memorial Day recess.

The immediate focus is funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as the DHS shutdown stretches beyond 60 days and continues to strain agency operations, including disaster response. Senate leaders have emphasized keeping the bill tightly focused to avoid procedural complications and limit intraparty conflict. However, pressure remains—particularly from House conservatives—to expand reconciliation to fund all of DHS rather than relying on bipartisan appropriations.

Offsets, “Waste and Fraud,” and Medicaid in the Crosshairs

As in prior reconciliation debates, disputes over offsets are re‑emerging. Fiscal conservatives are pressing for spending reductions to pay for new enforcement and defense funding, while Republican leaders increasingly point to “waste, fraud, and abuse” as a source of potential savings. Medicaid has again become central to those discussions.

Although the President’s FY 2027 budget does not explicitly propose Medicaid cuts, it calls for steep reductions in nondefense spending and shifts greater responsibility to states, raising concern among advocates. Arrington and other conservatives have publicly suggested revisiting Medicaid policies that failed Senate reconciliation rules last year, framing potential changes as antifraud or program‑integrity measures rather than benefit reductions.

Advocacy organizations warn that this framing obscures real risks to coverage and services—particularly home‑ and community‑based services—and note that recent polling shows voters prioritize protecting access to basic needs over preventing fraud. They argue that the resurgence of antifraud rhetoric is less about program integrity and more about creating political cover for cuts that would otherwise be difficult to advance.

Divisions Within the GOP Complicate the Path Forward

Despite White House pressure to move quickly, internal GOP divisions continue to complicate the path forward. Senate appropriators are uneasy about sidestepping the traditional funding process, while politically vulnerable Republicans remain wary of being forced into tough votes during reconciliation “vote‑a‑rama” sessions. In the House, razor‑thin margins amplify tension between leadership and hard‑line conservatives pushing for broader scope and deeper offsets.

Why it matters for Medicaid: By relying on reconciliation to fund homeland security and defense priorities, the administration has intensified pressure on Republicans to identify large offsets. Medicaid remains one of the few programs sizable enough to generate those savings, making it likely to stay in the crosshairs—particularly under the banner of antifraud reforms—even as leaders insist benefits will be protected.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Congress Watch: Redistricting and the Road to the 2026 Midterms

December 19, 2025

BY: Kylie Bowlds

The outlook of the 2026 midterm elections continues to evolve as both parties focus on key House districts that will determine the balance of power in Congress. Key toss-up races continue to take shape as various states seek to redraw maps ahead of the 2026 midterms – aiming to flip or add additional seats. However, in many blue and purple states with independent redistricting commissions, it is too late for legislatures to amend their states’ constitutions to do so.  

For Republicans, redistricting could yield a net gain of four to five House seats. Alternatively, Democrats could net two to four House seats as well, depending on how new maps are implemented across key states. Various factors – pending court rulings, ballot initiatives, etc. – will heavily impact these outcomes.    

Toss-Ups to Watch

Senate: Several Senate races are expected to be highly competitive. These include:  

  • Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)  
  • Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA)  
  • Open seats in Michigan and North Carolina  

House:  On the Democratic side, toss seats include:  

  • AZ-13 (Gray)  
  • NM-02 (Vasquez)  
  • NY-04 (Gillen)  
  • OH-01 (Landsman)  
  • WA-03 (Perez)  

Republican-held seats that are expected to be competitive include:  

  • AZ-01 (Ciscomani)  
  • CA-22 (Valadao)  
  • CA-48 (Issa)  
  • CO-08 (Evans)  
  • IA-01 (Miller-Meeks)  
  • MI-07 (Barrett)  
  • NJ-07 (Kean Jr.)  
  • PA-07 (Mackenzie)  
  • PA-10 (Perry)  
  • VA-02 (Kiggans)  
  • WI-03 (Van Orden)  
  • An open seat in Arizona 

What You Can Do Now

With the midterms approaching and many competitive toss ups, we encourage our members to:  

  • Stay connected and monitor emerging candidates in toss-up states and districts — including congressional and gubernatorial races.  
  • Utilize the Congressional calendar to check as to when your elected officials are on recess and available for meetings and site visits.  

For your organizational advocacy efforts, engagement at both the federal and state levels is increasingly important. Elected officials on all levels of government play a role in shaping critical policies. Continued engagement and relationship building ensure that your voice and the voice of those in your communities are represented. 

Kylie Bowlds is an Issue Education & External Relations Associate at Lutheran Services in America.

Congress Watch: Midterm Elections That Could Sway the Balance of Power

October 22, 2025

BY: Sarah Dobson

With Republicans currently holding control across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government, the 2026 midterm elections are emerging at a critical juncture for the future direction of federal policy. The outcome of these elections determines whether we will see the continuation of complete Republican control, or whether a new balance of power emerges, most likely through a Democratic shift in the House of Representatives. 

Key races in both chambers are beginning to take shape, and we’re closely tracking a growing number of toss-up contests that will determine the control of Congress. As these campaigns continue to take shape, early and sustained engagement with both current and prospective lawmakers is essential to make sure our collective voices are heard. Now is the time to build relationships that will help inform and educate future decision-making and to ensure the interests of the communities we serve are prioritized.

Toss-Ups to Watch

Senate: Several Senate races are expected to be highly competitive. These include: 

  • Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) 
  • Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) 
  • Open seats in Michigan and North Carolina 

House: On the Democratic side, toss up seats include: 

  • AZ-13 (Gray) 
  • CA-45 (Tran) 
  • ME-02 (Golden) 
  • NC-01 (Davis) 
  • NM-02 (Vasquez) 
  • NY-04 (Gillen) 
  • OH-09 (Kaptur) 
  • OH-13 (Sykes) 
  • TX-28 (Cuellar) 
  • WA-03 (Perez) 

Republican-held seats that are expected to be competitive include: 

  • AZ-01 (Ciscomani) 
  • CO-08 (Evans) 
  • IA-01 (Miller-Meeks) 
  • MI-07 (Barrett) 
  • PA-07 (Mackenzie) 
  • PA-10 (Perry)  
  • WI-03 (Van Orden) 
  • An open seat in Arizona 

What You Can Do Now

Members of Congress will recess the week of November 10 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. This presents a timely and strategic opportunity to engage directly with elected officials in their home districts and states. We strongly encourage our members to: 

  • Request in-district or in-state meetings with their representatives 
  • Invite lawmakers for site visits to showcase the impact of your work firsthand 

These conversations are instrumental in building lasting relationships with policymakers and in ensuring your priorities are represented in the decisions that follow.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Congress Watch: Midterm Elections that Could Sway the Balance of Power in the House

September 24, 2025

BY: Sue Polis

With so much change happening in Washington, D.C. with Republicans in control of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, many are starting to look to the 2026 midterm elections to see what the future might hold. We will continue to see Republican control of all branches? Will Democrats win control of the House of Representatives and change the balance of power in Congress?

The races to watch are starting to emerge and we are tracking toss-ups elections in 2026 in both the House and the Senate. The best way to make your voices heard is to engage early and often in cultivating relationships with current and future elected officials.

What can you do now? Congress will recess the week of November 10 for the Veterans Day holiday. This is a good time to request in-district and in-state meetings with your elected officials and/or invite them for a site visit to tour and see the work of your organization up close.

For more information, please contact Lutheran Services in America advocacy staff: Sarah Dobson at SDobson@lutheranservices.org, Bill Kallestad at BKallestad@lutheranservices.org, and Kylie Bowlds at KBowlds@lutheranservices.org.

Sue Polis is Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs at Lutheran Services in America.

The Latest on Medicaid

May 27, 2025

BY: Sarah Dobson

The U.S. House of Representatives Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with implications for Medicaid, Non Profit Charitable tax-exempt organizations and Medicare. Action now moves to the Senate.

The House of Representatives voted on May 22 to pass their version of a budget reconciliation package with a vote of 215-214 that includes $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid, while adding over $2-3 trillion to the deficit (based on various estimates).  The measure includes work requirements targeted at the adult expansion population beginning in December 2026. It also includes caps to provider taxes – which is the way a significant majority of states pay for their share of Medicaid – making it hard for states to fill the gaps in funding  The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects that roughly 10 million Americans will lose coverage as a result of the cuts.

Action now moves to the Senate where Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has signaled they will look for $600 billion in cuts to Medicaid to pay for the expiring Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Senate is expected to pass a budget reconciliation package before the July 4 recess, which means that it will be important to meet with your Senators to ask them to protect Medicaid from cuts.

Our new campaign, Here We Stand. For People. For Care. For Medicaid. Includes resources to support outreach to members of Congress and the media in your local and state markets.

House Budget: Charitable Non-Profit Tax and Medicare Implications

The recently passed House version of the Budget Reconciliation Bill includes implications for nonprofit charitable organizations and Medicare.

Nonprofit Charitable Tax Status: What is NOT included/out

  • The House passed bill does NOT include the provision that would revoke nonprofit status from “terrorist supporting organizations”:
    • House Republicans removed a provision from the bill that would have granted authority to the Treasury Secretary to revoke nonprofit status from “terrorist supporting organizations,” without requiring the Secretary to share full evidence or ensure due process.

What IS included/in: 

  • Charitable Act at $150/300 (single/joint filer) – urge Senators to support;
    • The House bill creates a non-itemizer tax deduction up to $150 for individuals and $300 for married couples, regardless of whether the tax filers claim an itemized deduction (Section 110112).
  • Limits on charitable donations – urge Senators to oppose;
    • These proposals (Section 110011 and Section 112027) discourage charitable donations made by corporations and individuals, ultimately leaving nonprofit organizations with fewer resources to serve their community.
    • Adds new limits on itemized deductions, including the charitable deduction. If enacted, this provision would significantly reduce the value of itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers, disincentivizing charitable giving.
    • Section 112027 creates a 1% floor for charitable contributions made by corporations. In doing so, this provision would discourage corporate giving, if such donations amount to less than 1% of their taxable income.
  • New or expanded taxes on non-profits and foundations – urge Senators to oppose;
  • These proposals (Section 112022 and Section 112024) divert scarce resources away from essential services, undermine the ability of charitable nonprofit organizations to meet needs in their communities, and put greater strain on government.
  • Increases and expands Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) to include any qualified transportation fringe benefit, such as transit benefits or parking benefits, for charitable organizations.  Note: The provision also carves out an exception for church-affiliated organizations.
    • In essence, this provision applies an income tax on an expense. This provision was previously passed in 2017 and subsequently repealed due to the confusing nature of applying an income tax on an expense and difficulty of quantifying the expense of certain benefits such as the cost of a parking spot already owned by a charitable organization.

Medicare:

  • Triggers Medicare cuts under the Statutory Pay As You Go Act of 2010 that could include reductions in provider reimbursements. Because the bill would increase the budget deficit by $2.3 trillion, the CBO projects the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would have to curtail Medicare spending by $45 billion in 2026 and $490 billion from 2027 to 2034.
  • Suspends a rule to facilitate enrollment in Medicare Savings Programs that cater to low-income people eligible for Medicare and Medicaid by pushing back the effective date to 2035. Savings are estimated to be $84 billion.
  • Ends Medicare eligibility for some lawfully present foreign nationals who currently qualify by limiting the program to permanent residents who are green card holders, from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands or Palau, or, in certain cases, from Cuba. This would save $132 million.

LSA will continue to provide updates and actions as the debate moves forward in the US Senate on Medicaid and broader issues.  Stay current on our public policy efforts by subscribing to our advocacy alerts.

Please contact LSA staff with any questions or for more information:

Leadership of Key Congressional Committees Finalized

February 10, 2025

BY: Sarah Dobson

With Republicans in the majority in both chambers of Congress, leadership changes on key committees that affect healthcare, workforce, and housing policy are now finalized. Lutheran Services in America will engage these leaders in partnership with members to strengthen relationships and advance advocacy priorities.

HOUSING: Across our network, we are committed to addressing housing insecurity as an economic and health crisis. Our work in Congress on this issue will focus on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, now chaired by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) serving as the lead Democrat, and the House Financial Services Committee, led by Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA).

HEALTH & WORKFORCE: Turning to healthcare and workforce issues, multiple committees have jurisdiction over various areas of the law. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will now be led by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) serving as the lead minority member.  At the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees health programs under the Social Security Act, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) has become chair, and Sen. Ron Wyden will lead Democrats on the panel.

In the House, the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee has broad jurisdiction over healthcare and the regulations and laws that govern the sector, while the Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over revenue-related aspects of the Social Security system, Medicare, and social services programs, including foster care and adoption programs—and like Senate Finance, also has a key role in shaping tax policy, including an expected 2025 tax bill. Finally, the House Education and Workforce Committee has jurisdiction over education, workforce development, and workforce policy.

Here is where things stand with key House committees:

  • House Energy & Commerce: Brett Guthrie (R-KY) was elected as chair while Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) will serve as ranking minority member for Democrats.
  • House Ways & Means: Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) will hold the top spot at Ways & Means (W&M). Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA) will remain in his role as the committee’s top Democrat.
  • House Education and Workforce Committee: Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) will be the new Republican chair, with Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) leading the Democrats.

Contact Sarah Dobson for more information.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

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