President Donald Trump’s pick for top emissary to Capitol Hill is a longtime former congressional aide with wide-ranging experience in oversight and investigations — a telling choice at a time when Washington could be heading toward divided government.

As the new director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, Katie Bailey will serve as the lead liaison between the White House and Congress. Her first task will be helping navigate a fast-moving, high-stakes “lame duck” legislative session, where lawmakers will be rushing to pass outstanding bills and avoid a government shutdown in the immediate aftermath of the midterm elections.

Bailey is also staring down the possibility of having to advocate for Trump’s agenda on the Hill with one or both chambers under Democratic control.

It’s a job that could require Bailey to strike a balance between standing up for the president with a need to compromise with Democrats on major legislative priorities in 2027. She’ll also have to manage intraparty conflicts among Republicans, including lawmakers with presidential aspirations in 2028.