The roster is set for the congressional leaders with the greatest influence to determine policy and provide funding to the United States’ development priorities in the 118th Congress, which runs through 2024. While some high-profile programs are up for reauthorization, it is expected to be a slow year for development legislation.
This year there were a number of key retirements and departures that mean fresh leadership in some areas, but in the top policy committees — the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee — familiar faces remain. In the House of Representatives, the ranking Republican and Democrat have swapped spots after Republicans won control of the chamber, but otherwise, the lawmakers in charge remain the same.
One thing to expect from a Republican House is a major push for spending cuts, including for foreign aid, and development advocates will be watching how new leadership on the subcommittee responsible for the foreign assistance budget will shape the debate.