Washington (CNN)Triumphant Republicans return to Washington Wednesday to prepare for a new era of GOP dominance on both sides of the Capitol. But first, they have to get through a short, final Senate session under Democratic control. The post-election lame duck session should be fast-paced as lawmakers work to clear leftover business, including a must pass bill to fund the government, and other bills to arm Syrian rebels and extend expiring tax breaks. Republican leaders are anxious to start the new Congress in January with a clean slate when they could control as many as 54 seats. Senators who were defeated in the last election must return to the Capitol to vote on these items. But newly-elected senators, excited after their victories, can't vote until they are sworn-in in January.
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Congress returns to Washington Wednesday
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Lame duck session marks final few weeks of Democratic control in the Senate
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