Congress faces Dec. 11 deadline with weeks remaining in control
Lawmakers must pass a short-term funding bill before the current stop-gap measure expires, while also debating military spending and an impeachment effort.
By Nadia Rahman ·
The current federal funding measure expires on December 11, leaving the 119th Congress with roughly four weeks to keep the government open. Republicans currently hold the majority in both chambers, but their time in power is limited. The midterms have passed, and Democrats are weeks away from taking control of the House and Senate.
The path to extending government funding is straightforward but temporary. Lawmakers are expected to pass another continuing resolution rather than negotiate the full set of 12 appropriations bills. The standard process requires too much time and political capital for the current moment. A short-term bill is the only viable option to bridge the gap until the new Congress convenes.
The National Defense Authorization Act presents a more complicated challenge. This annual military funding package is stalled by political divisions over the Iran war. A majority of Americans oppose the conflict, a sentiment President Trump acknowledged as a factor in his party's midterm losses. The bill remains stuck in committee, reflecting the deep disagreement within the majority party.
The House is also preparing to vote on an impeachment measure targeting Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced the bill. He is a key figure in the administration's decision to release the Epstein files. The charges include the administration's failure to properly consult Congress on the military campaign. The vote is expected to be closely watched by both parties.
Big-ticket legislation will likely wait until the new term. Democrats, who are not expected to compromise in their final weeks, are holding off on items like the Protect College Sports Act. This bill would introduce new regulations on college athlete compensation. A bipartisan energy permitting overhaul is also on hold. These items require a more stable legislative environment than the current lame duck session offers.
Attendance in both chambers may be thin. Lawmakers are dealing with the aftermath of last week's midterm elections. Slim majorities make passage difficult if members are absent. Mike Ricci, a Republican strategist, noted that legislators may return to Washington for practical reasons. He pointed to the need to close out their offices, find new employment, or attend the White House Christmas party as motivators for their return.
