Two-vote margin puts Republican House plans at risk as Congress heads for December

Federal government funding expires on Dec. 11, forcing the 119th Congress to act before it adjourns. Lawmakers are expected to pass a short-term continuing resolution to keep operations running. They do not have the time or political capital to negotiate the standard 12 appropriations bills in the remaining weeks.

The House has a two-vote majority, according to NPR's Eric McDaniel. This slim margin creates a tight constraint for the outgoing Republican leadership. Any absenteeism among members defeated in the midterms could jeopardize their plans to end their time in power on their own terms.

Senate Republicans are moving quickly to confirm judges and other Trump appointees before Democrats take control in January. McDaniel said those confirmations will require significant compromises from the White House once the new majority is seated.

President Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. Miller served as deputy chief of staff and helped shape the administration's immigration policies. Trump described the change as a signal that he is ready to confront an opposition Congress.

Trump also posted on social media that he offered the White House Press Secretary job to Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The president later said the offer was a joke. NPR's Mara Liasson noted that the public often takes the president's words seriously, which poses a challenge for the U.S. when statements are later clarified.

Nvidia has launched an internal investigation after reports that its CEO, Jensen Huang, was involved in a close relationship with a woman accused of being a Chinese spy. The New York Times reported that a Chinese intelligence operation targeted Huang to send advanced AI chips to China. China denied the allegations in a Monday press briefing.

The House of Representatives requested a closed-door briefing from Huang regarding his interactions with the suspected intelligence asset. Trump said he thinks Huang is a fine person. Nvidia stated that neither national security nor its secrets are compromised despite the ongoing investigations.