' C+ * “ie | House profile ~ « — By retaining control of the House and Senate, with the loss of only a few seats, and winning the White House, Republicans believe they have a mandate to govern. The potential for a Freedom Caucus challenge to Paul Ryan’s leadership is unlikely given the party’s strong showing. The path is clear for the Speaker to pursue the policy actions described in the “Better Way” policy platform developed earlier this year and promoted through the ubiquitous presence of a pamphlet describing the plan that he used during the campaign and press appearances. That effort generated interest from Trump, who adapted his tax plan to reflect some of the proposals. The week following the electionsand prior to Thanksgiving will be focused on internal party organizational issues, including the election of party leadership, and discussion around Republican conference and Democratic caucusrules and the makeup of the Steering Committee, which will determine committee assignments. The leadership of the chamber will be decided in closed-door meetings during this time, with a formal floor vote for Speaker in January. Some Steering Committee decisions regarding committees are likely to take place after Thanksgiving and to include ratification of committee chairmanships and Speaker-appointed committee memberships, as well as appointments of membersto vacant slotson “A” committees (including Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Financial Services). Ryan and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will conduct a negotiation to determine committee ratios, which would be expected to be close to what they are now. Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-Ml) Republican members Boustany and Young ran for Senate ,and Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL) lost his re-election campaign, leaving three open seats. Republicans under consideration for Committee seats include Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Mike Bishop (R-Ml), Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Jackie Walorski (R-IN)} an