While Grothman and Gallagher share job security, they diverge on many aspects of the political realm.

“I think the intensity of the health care debate has picked back up and the issue’s not going away,” Gallagher said, explaining an aspect of why Republican fortunes went south in the House. “I think we as Republicans need a bold, positive vision for fixing our health care system.”

Both Republicans will be walking into a different political world in January, after a lame-duck session starting next week during which the GOP will remain in charge for six weeks.

During that time we can expect another partisan fray over the border wall, funding for which is expected to be included in a Homeland Security appropriations bill.

It may be the most contentious issue Democrats face before they take the House majority in January, entering what some expect to be an era of gridlock.

“I think the overall environment has gotten far more negative,” Gallagher said.

Both Grothman and Gallagher said that there are areas where consensus can be reached, especially in infrastructure.

But Gallagher sees progress on the road ahead being made in small steps rather than giant leaps.