11 members of Congress to watch as a new session begins in 2025

The class of 2024 brings a new cast of characters to Capitol Hill for the second Donald Trump administration as Republicans officially take control of Congress.

WASHINGTON — The incoming Congress brings a new cast of characters to Capitol Hill for the second Donald Trump administration as Republicans officially take control of both chambers on Friday.

The wafer-thin Republican majority in the House, which begins at 219-215, will require near-unanimity to get anything done without Democratic help. That dynamic empowers rank-and-file lawmakers without leadership or committee chair positions, giving an outsize role in the national debate to members in competitive districts, ideologically driven figures and some newly elected freshmen.

Here are 11 key House members to watch in the 119th Congress.

The ultraconservative congressman has become well-known for his fiery floor speeches, where he usually excoriates the compromises made by Republican leaders. He rarely shies away from voting against a bill that falls short of his high standards. And he’s hungry for a bigger role in the second Trump era. Roy could be a recurring problem for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Trump.

Unlike some of his colleagues, the Kentucky libertarian doesn’t take orders from Trump — or care what he thinks. Massie and Roy were among the few House Republicans who did not endorse Trump in last year’s GOP presidential primary, instead backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Massie has come out early and emphatically against Johnson’s speakership bid, proclaiming that “the emperor has no clothes.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/new-congress-who-watch-2025-house-rcna184775

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