While Election Day in the U.S. isn’t until November, professional advocacy firms – like ACG Advocacy, which represents PRINTING United Alliance on Capitol Hill – aren’t waiting around for the official results before planning for the next Congress.

We’re reading the tea leaves now and mapping potential scenarios that might play out in 2027, any of which could influence the direction of public policy impacting the printing industry, both domestically and globally.

And while we won’t officially know which political party will control the U.S. House and U.S. Senate until after November 3 – and anything can happen on Election Day! – our firm feels confident predicting the following takeaways:

  • Democrats are likely to win the House, and political party control of the Senate is a “toss up.” Many Senate races have tightened more than expected and are now even or with the margin of error for flipping from red to blue, or vice versa.
  • Oversight and messaging will likely outweigh major legislation. With a potentially slim majority, a House chamber controlled by Democrats would likely focus on Congressional hearings and investigations and on bills that lay the groundwork for key messaging in the 2028 presidential election. Impeachment? Don’t be surprised to see proceedings initiated against certain Cabinet secretaries.
  • Bipartisan openings will be narrow, but they will exist. Issues like AI competition (and China), kids’ online safety, and education and career development represent areas where Democrats and Republicans could find common ground in 2027.

What about big-ticket issues impacting the printing industry eco-system, like tax, trade, and workforce policy? We’re eyeing the following potential scenarios:

Tax Policy

Because Republicans acheived much of their tax agenda in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act this Congress, the party will like focus attention to individual provisions in that bill set to expire, such as the car loan interest deduction, as well as on a taxpayer bill of rights package that the current House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Chairs have championed.

Democrats would likely prioritize restoring the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax and reversing Medicaid cuts, while possibly pursuing a new income tax on billionaires or a corporate tax rate increase from 21 to 28 percent – both of which are provisions Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR, who would elevate to Finance Committee Chair if the Democrats flip the Senate, has expressed an interest in exploring.

Of course, even if these provisions or bills made it to the President Trump’s desk, he would certainly veto them. Again, these legislative efforts would be largely about laying down markers to stir debate in 2028.

Trade Policy

While we expect a Democrat majority in either chamber would likely use the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement review period to scrutinize Section 301 and 302 tariff actions, along with the cost of tariffs and deals that exempted specific companies and countries.

There is a legislative play in which Democrats could instigate a government shutdown over must-pass bills by attempting to pair them with provisions limiting presidential tariff authority. However, the more plausible path includes minimal trade legislation next year with heavy oversight and optics aimed at the 2028 race for the White House.

As with technology policy, expect lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to pay special attention to trade policies involving China.

Education & Career Development

Fortunately for the printing industry, this policy area offers the brightest spot for bipartisan compromise in the 120th Congress. Even though a Democrat-led House and/or Senate would likely push funding bills to reverse Secretary of Education McMahon’s transfer of Department of Education to other Federal agencies, a focus on expanding opportunities for career & technical education, STEM, and other pragmatic workforce development policies offers opportunities to pass legislation that could realistically reach President Trump’s desk.

Of course, these are just a few of the policy areas that will drive debate, division, and accomplishment in a new Congress. Issues like recycling, housing, health care and more will be in the headlines as new leadership takes over in the House and possibly the Senate.

From Policy to Action: Making Print’s Voice Heard in Washington, D.C.

Regardless of the outcome on Election Day in the U.S., an engaged, informed and advocacy-minded printing industry is key to ensuring the 120th Congress is fully aware of the essential role print plays in driving economic growth, strengthening the manufacturing sector, advancing environmental sustainability, and keeping communities informed and connected.

To stay informed and learn more about the vital role you can play as a grassroots advocate for print in the 120th Congress, follow Women in Print Alliance’s advocacy articles and consider attending the Women in Print Alliance Advocacy Summit in April 2027.