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Republicans Doubt Their Big Lame-Duck Ambitions Pan Out

October 13, 2026 · 5:51 am ET · Leave a Comment

“Republicans have had to defer many of their legislative dreams, hoping the post-election release of political pressure could set up a productive ‘lame duck’ session before a new Congress is seated,” Politico reports.

”Fat chance, many GOP lawmakers now say.”

“Beyond the uncertainties surrounding the midterms and a potential transition of power on Capitol Hill, members will return to Washington facing a considerable list of must-pass bipartisan bills but also potentially messy internal leadership fights, a foul national mood and a mere 24 legislative days to get anything done.”

2026 Campaign, Republicans

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Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

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