12:30 REPORT

Happy Thursday! What does everyone’s Spotify Wrapped look like this year? Taylor Swift obviously ran away with mine … Here’s what’s happening today:

• Republicans have *zero* margin for error in the first few months of 2025.
• What is the GOP’s game plan for quick legislative wins for Trump?

• Police are searching for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO.

• McDonald’s is finally bringing back the Snack Wrap!

I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here. 

PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Hill’s 12:30 Report will not publish tomorrow. We will be back on Monday, Dec. 9. Enjoy your weekend! 🎄

💰 In Congress

Please, sir. Could you spare a vote?:

The November election is finally over. The last pending House race was called Tuesday night, solidifying Republicans’ 220-215 majority.

If that sounds narrow: Now factor in that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) resigned and Reps. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) are expected to move to the administration. The first special elections to replace these three House members are expected to happen in April.

That means that Republicans have a zero-vote margin of 217-215 in the first months of the second Trump administration. (A 216-216 tie vote loses in the House.)

That’s a logistical nightmare: Aside from needing complete agreement to pass anything, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will also need to factor in delayed flights, sickness, family emergencies, etc.

What’s the game........

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