Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Monday for a six-week lame-duck session, with Democrats set to take control of both chambers of Congress in January after sweeping the midterm elections.
Republicans still hold both chambers until January 3, 2027, when the new Congress is sworn in. Until then, the outgoing majority faces a crowded year-end agenda, topped by a December 11 deadline to keep the government funded.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become speaker when the new Congress convenes, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is seeking to lead the incoming Democratic majority. CBS News estimates Democrats are on track for around 256 House seats and at least 54 Senate seats, with a few races still uncalled.
The lame-duck session also has to settle the annual defence policy bill, renew surveillance authority under Section 702, and weigh a bipartisan permitting reform package. A vote on impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is also possible, after Republican Representative Thomas Massie advanced a resolution with eight articles of impeachment.
Democratic leaders have said their incoming majority will prioritise the cost of living, health care affordability and oversight of the Trump administration. House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced he will step aside from party leadership, setting up a contest between Representatives Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan for the Republican leadership.
Source: WTOP News
