THE DEMOCRATIC DEAL MAKERS TO WATCH House Democrats will be in the minority next Congress. But a slim GOP majority means centrist Democrats may not be totally powerless. Once the final uncalled race is settled, Republicans will start January only able to lose one vote on any bill they try to push through the lower chamber. That will drop down even further once House Republicans leave to go to the administration. That gives a bit of power to Democrats, some of whom tough seats by voting independently of their party on border issues and other flashpoints. And they see some openings, now that the House could pass more legislation with a shot of becoming law, rather than mainly messaging bills. Although the GOP is vowing to move some of their top tax priorities through the process known as reconciliation that could circumvent a Senate filibuster, there’s some bipartisan ground on things like permitting reform. And Republicans are bound to need Democratic help on getting must-pass legislation such as government funding through with a miniscule majority. Those helpers could come from the Blue Dog Coalition. Current co-chairs Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) both won tough reelections by proving to their red-district constituents they don’t always vote with their party. The group, a frequent Democratic leadership headache comprised of 10 members come January, says they want fiscal stability and national security. That could translate into votes for Republican legislation. While the group doesn’t know yet who will lead it — they plan to meet at some point in December to discuss — they will have some influence come January. Blue Dogs could support bills that include energy policy, certain tax policies and border security, but it’ll be on a case-by-case basis, according to a person familiar with their planning. Could the Problem Solvers Caucus start solving problems again? The bipartisan group fell apart during the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. But they’re meeting Thursday for the first time since last October, likely for an expected organizing meeting to discuss leadership, a person familiar with the plans told us. But there’s still bad blood: Members of the group see co-chair Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) as less influential after his ally McCarthy was booted, and his Democratic counterpart Josh Gottheimer is focused on his bid for New Jersey governor. Don’t count out the New Democrat Coalition: The group of moderate Democrats, who are the largest bloc in the caucus with more than 100 members, touts its ability to work across the aisle on bipartisan legislation. This was the prominent group of Democrats who supported raising the debt limit back when McCarthy was speaker — a topic that will inevitably become an issue next Congress when the deadline is up again. And one other bipartisan issue the bloc could get involved in: the state and local tax deduction. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), who is replacing retiring Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) as chair of the group, said in an interview they hope to work with Republicans — if it’s in good faith. “We've identified ourselves as the can-do caucus, the ones who are willing to figure out a way to get things done, that's working with Democrats and Republicans trying to find common ground and build on ideas that will improve the lives of the American people,” he said in an interview. — Daniella Diaz, with assist from Nicholas Wu GOOD EVENING! Welcome to Inside Congress, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Tuesday, Dec. 3, where the gingerbread Capitol and the Christmas tree lighting are lightening the lame-duck energy.
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