Tuesday was the first day Texas lawmakers could file bills for next year’s legislative session, and they were not shy about submitting a record-breaking 1,500 in the first filing period. Though there is no real advantage, staffers camped out behind the Senate chamber in order to file early. The early rush will, however, give a glance into issues plaguing the Lone Star State before the 89th legislative session...

House Republicans are gathering behind closed doors Wednesday to elect their leaders in the next Congress. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., are all running for their current roles again with no stated challengers as of Tuesday afternoon. National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson, R-N.C., is also running for another term. SHUTDOWN STANDOFF LOOMS IN CONGRESS’ FINAL WEEKS...

The incoming Senate Republican Conference will meet to hold secret ballot elections for several leadership positions on Wednesday morning, including the successor of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who will lead the Republican majority next year. At 9:30 a.m., the conference for the 119th Congress will select a new leader, Republican whip, conference chair, Republican policy committee chair, vice conference chair and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRS)...