Senate’s post-election drama escalates quickly

The 2022 lame-duck session of Congress kicked off with significant tension on Monday as Senate Republicans grappled with their direction following their recent electoral defeat, while Democrats prepared for their initial vote on a permitting reform bill that was deeply dividing their ranks. Senator Ron Johnson, representing Wisconsin, was set to deliver a letter to Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton, accompanied by five signatures, requesting a special conference meeting.

This move would not hinder Majority Leader John Thune's leadership election or his aspiration to lead the conference in the minority, but it would certainly spawn discussions about the party's leadership. It appeared likely that the Senate would take a procedural vote on the permitting reform bill that evening, a bill that had been stagnant for multiple Congresses and was facing opposition from some environmental groups.

Democrats were pushing for amendments to the bill, believing that it was the opportune moment to advance permitting legislation. Sens. Martin Heinrich from New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island publicly advocated for the bill's passage in the lame duck. The bill's passage in the Senate could take a few weeks, barring any delays.

For Senate Republican leadership elections, scheduled to commence at 9 am on Tuesday, some Republicans like Utah Senator Mike Lee sought clarity on the lame duck proceedings before casting their votes. Senator Rick Scott, who had previously contested for the leader position, insisted on a commitment to the GOP's voter ID legislation.

Even moderate swing-state Senator David McCormick from Pennsylvania endorsed a temporary pause to reflect and deliberate on the recent election outcomes. The Democratic leadership elections were set to occur in early December.