1 big thing: 118th Congress is underway

The 118th Congress convened earlier this month, but not without a five-day, 15-ballot fight for the Speaker of the House between a handful of House Republicans and Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who finally prevailed.

• Why it matters: With a narrow majority in the House, the 20 Republicans who stood in McCarthy’s way will remain a challenge as the GOP moves major pieces of legislation in 2023, including a farm bill.