Absent House Members Strain Tight Margins, Complicate Votes (1)

Jan. 8, 2026, 10:00 AM UTCUpdated: Jan. 8, 2026, 3:57 PM UTC

Absentee and tardy lawmakers in both parties are adding to the heartburn plaguing House leaders as they try to unite their caucuses on pivotal votes.

The House is starting the new year with an ambitious agenda tackling agency funding, health care subsidies, and overriding President Donald Trump’s veto of GOP-led bills. Votes on any of those issues could result in a surprise outcome if even a handful of lawmakers don’t show up.

House Republicans’ already narrow majority has just taken fresh hits, as Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) passed away at the start of the week and Rep Jim Baird (R-Ind.) ...

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