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With Congress divided and President Obama struggling to regain his footing, tensions are certain to remain high when Congress reconvenes next year. The budget, energy and immigration are on the agenda, and they are all issues that will have an effect on the president's reelection effort. Additionally, Republicans, back in charge of the lower chamber for the first time since 2006, will try to show they can govern effectively, while Democrats in the Senate will contend with a more formidable Republican minority.

A quick disclaimer about this list: You'll notice that we omitted most members of the leadership teams. Incoming House Speaker John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi, who will be minority leader, and all of their top lieutenants with big leadership titles will have a deep effect on the agenda that moves through the lower chamber next year. Majority Leader Harry Reid, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and their familiar associates will have the same impact in the Senate. Gallons of ink already have been spilled on these figures as well as influential committee chairs and ranking members like incoming Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin; incoming Government Oversight Chair Darrell Issa, Republican of California; and incoming Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland.

Therefore, this list is designed to highlight those members of Congress who, though not necessarily household names (yet), are likely to wield power next year due to the importance of their voices and their votes. Some are new senators in swing states who may not always be able to cast the easy vote with their party. Others are big names facing tough reelections this coming cycle who can expect to be courted by both parties' leadership teams - as well as lobbyists - for their votes. Others are new to leadership and have made the list as they move up in their party's ranks.

In short, these are all members who will play a crucial - and sometimes decisive - role in all of the important debates that come before the 112th Congress.