Will Ailing Senators McConnell and Feinstein Be Replaced?: Kiplinger Economic Forecasts
Republicans and Democrats are actively discussing who could take their places.
To help you understand what is going on in Congress and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly-experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest...
The health of two senior senators is causing concern in both parties. For Republicans, it’s Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), who froze for 20 seconds during his weekly press conference. He returned within minutes to field questions and said he was fine and fully able to do his job, though he wasn’t his usual self. The 81-year-old, who survived polio as a child, suffered a serious concussion in March and was absent for weeks, returning to the Senate in mid-April. He fell at least two other times this year. McConnell has said he plans to finish his six-year term that ends in January 2027.
For Democrats, it’s Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA), who contracted shingles earlier this year, was absent for weeks, and has been on a noticeable decline. Even before the 90-year-old’s most recent health issue, there were concerns. When she returned to Congress in May, Feinstein's aides said she would work a "lighter schedule" on doctor's orders as she recovers from "complications related to a shingles diagnosis." Feinstein said she will retire at the end of her term in January 2025.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Behind the scenes, both parties are discussing potential replacements: Quietly among GOPers and more publicly among Dems. If either departs early, their state governors would name temporary replacements. (The Kentucky governor by law must pick a Republican.) Republicans would need a new Senate leader. Likely options: John Barrasso (WY), John Cornyn (TX) or John Thune (SD).
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Sean Lengell covers Congress and government policy for The Kiplinger Letter. Before joining Kiplinger in January 2017 he served as a congressional reporter for eight years with the Washington Examiner and the Washington Times. He previously covered local news for the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune. A native of northern Illinois who spent much of his youth in St. Petersburg, Fla., he holds a bachelor's degree in English from Marquette University.
-
Over 162,000 Dreamers Cut Off From Affordable Care Act Insurance
Health Insurance A federal court in North Dakota has blocked ACA coverage for DACA recipients in 19 states. Here's what it means.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
What to Learn from Corporate Insiders' Trades
When corporate insiders buy or sell, it can offer clues on whether you should do the same.
By Kim Clark Published
-
Biden's Lame-Duck Agenda
The Letter President Biden rushes to tie up loose ends before Trump takes over.
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
Could Millions of Taxpayers Be Facing the AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax) in 2025?
Tax Letter Millions of taxpayers could owe the AMT if Congress allows the tax breaks de-fanged in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire.
By Joy Taylor Published
-
What Trump Will Do Next
The Letter President-elect Trump begins his second term with a busy regulatory agenda.
By Matthew Housiaux Last updated
-
Tax Changes are on Trump's 2025 To-Do List
The Tax Letter Donald Trump campaigned on lower taxes and, as president, he will push Congress to pass big tax changes next year
By Joy Taylor Published
-
Harris vs. Trump's Tax Wish List: Income Tax, Capital Gains, Estate Tax and More
The Tax Letter Take a comprehensive look at Harris and Trump's tax proposals. We cover income tax rates, tax credits and deductions, capital gains tax, estate tax, corporate tax and much more
By Joy Taylor Published
-
What are Trump's Positions on Capital Gains Taxes?
The Tax Letter Harris and Trump have different views on taxing capital gains. See what Trump said he would do if elected to the White House.
By Joy Taylor Last updated
-
The Key Presidential Campaign Issues of 2024
The Letter Donald Trump and Kamala Harris stake out their positions on trade, immigration, and taxes.
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
Changes to Estate Tax Are Coming... Six Options Congress Could Take
The Tax Letter An important estate tax change is looming. Here are six ways that Congress might address estate taxes in 2025.
By Joy Taylor Published