January 2026 put the 119th Congress to the test—and once again, it barely showed up. This episode tracks how sudden vacancies shrank the Republican majority, why that paralysis explains one of the quietest legislative months in years, and what actually made it into law when Congress finally finished half of its long-overdue government funding.
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Background Sources
Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes
Government Funding
DHS Funding
“Democrats say White House offer on ICE is ‘insufficient’ as Homeland Security funding set to expire.” Mary Clare Jalonick et al. February 10, 2026. WDRB.
Letter from Rep. Bennie G. Thompson et al. to Democratic Colleagues. February 1, 2026. House Committee on Homeland Security Democrats.
Guantánamo Bay
“Detained, Dehumanized, Forgotten: The Endless Cycle of Guantánamo.” Mobashra Tazamal. February 18, 2025. The Bridge Initiative.
“ACLU Statement on the 21st Anniversary of Guantánamo.” January 10, 2023. ACLU.
“Was Khalid Sheikh Mohammed ‘waterboarded’ 183 times?” Glenn Kessler. February 6, 2017. The Washington Post.
“Senate report: CIA misled lawmakers, public on enhanced interrogation.” Rebecca Kaplan. December 9, 2014. CBS News.
Energy
“DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Appropriations, FY2026,” [IF13118]. Martin C. Offutt and Lexie Ryan. January 29, 2026. Congressional Research Service.
“Offshore Energy Agency Appropriations, FY2026,” [IF13149]. Laura B. Comay. January 12, 2026. Congressional Research Service.
Other New Laws
S.222 – Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025
H.R.224 – Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act
H.R.4323 – Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
Keith Bass Confirmation
“Trump’s Pick for Top Pentagon Health Care Job Was Fired by CIA.” Jeff Stein. January 13, 2025. Military.com.
Senate Confirmation Vote Breakdown
Failed and Pulled Bills
H.R.2262 – Flexibility for Workers Education Act
H.R.4366 – Save Local Business Act
H.R.2270 – Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act
H.R.2312 – Tipped Employee Protection Act
Music
Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito
