Republicans appear close to securing sweeping power in the US government, inching toward retaining the House majority as Congress returns for its lame-duck session this week.

Control of the House has yet to be determined, as a number of critical races remain too close to call, leaving lawmakers — and voters — waiting to see which party will hold the majority next year. The sprint to 218 seats,

Days before Senate Republicans pick their new leader, President-elect Donald Trump is pressuring the candidates to change Senate rules and give him more power to appoint unconfirmed nominees.

Sen. Rick Scott’s bid to become the next Senate Republican leader is gaining momentum with endorsements from allies of President-elect Donald Trump and far-right influencers. Scott, a former Florida governor who just won a second term in the Senate,