When the new Congress convenes next Tuesday on January 3, 2017, Republicans will still be in control of both the House and Senate, but with their party ready to take over the White House later in the month, it presents a whole new opportunity for GOP lawmakers to push ahead with a raft of policy ideas. “We’re beside ourselves, I really don’t know how else to say it,” said Rep. Markwayne Mullin , who told me it will make a big difference for the GOP Congress to pass legislation, knowing they have an ally in the White House who will sign their bills, not stand in the way.