Congress returns to Washington after Democrats' midterm gains, with a short lame-duck agenda
Lawmakers have six weeks before Democrats take over in January, with a funding deadline on Dec. 11 and a possible impeachment vote on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Congress returned Monday after Democrats won control of both chambers in the midterm elections. Republicans have about six weeks of lame-duck sessions before the new Congress begins Jan. 3, 2027. Leadership elections and a government funding package are among the priorities.
Current federal funding runs out on Dec. 11, and some Democrats have signaled they could use the Iran war as leverage in spending talks. One House Republican expects another short-term extension. Other items include the farm bill, a transportation infrastructure bill, a bipartisan tax package and a looming January debt ceiling deadline.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has pushed forward an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war, despite objections from House GOP leadership. Trump defended Hegseth, saying he had won two wars. Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet said whether he will block a vote.
Key points
- Congress has about six weeks before Democrats take control on Jan. 3, 2027.
- Government funding expires Dec. 11, with a shutdown possible.
- An impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected early.
- Priorities include the farm bill, a tax package and the debt ceiling.
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Summarized with AI from the sources above and reviewed before publishing.
