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| The US Capitol and American flag represent the major challenges facing Congress, including government funding, the federal debt limit and Pete Hegseth. |
The US Congress has returned to Washington for a consequential lame-duck session, with lawmakers facing a crowded legislative agenda before Democrats take control of both chambers in January 2027. Government funding, the federal debt limit, defense policy and an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are among the issues competing for attention during the final weeks of the Republican-controlled 119th Congress.
The immediate challenge is preventing another government shutdown. Current federal funding is scheduled to expire on December 11, leaving lawmakers with a relatively short window to agree on another spending measure. At the same time, disagreements over the war with Iran and the future of US defence policy could complicate negotiations on major legislation.
The return comes after the November midterm elections reshaped the political landscape in Washington. Democrats are preparing to assume control of the House and Senate, while Republicans have only a limited period to advance their remaining legislative priorities.
Government Funding Deadline Puts Pressure on Congress
Keeping federal agencies operational is the most immediate responsibility facing lawmakers. The temporary funding measure approved earlier in the year extended government operations until December 11, but it did not resolve the broader disagreement over federal spending.
Congress can pursue another continuing resolution, which temporarily maintains existing funding levels, or attempt to negotiate full-year appropriations legislation. Given the limited time available and the approaching transfer of power, another short-term agreement appears to be a central option under discussion.
A shutdown would affect federal agencies and could disrupt services, administrative operations and payments to government employees. The consequences would depend on the duration of the funding lapse and which activities are considered essential.
The political calculations are also changing. Republicans may want to complete spending negotiations before leaving office, while Democrats preparing to take control could seek greater influence over the terms of any agreement.
This creates an unusual negotiating environment: the current Congress remains responsible for passing legislation, but the incoming majority will soon have a greater say over the federal government's spending priorities.
Debt Limit Debate Adds Another Fiscal Challenge
The federal debt limit is another issue drawing attention as lawmakers return. Unlike government funding legislation, which authorises spending for federal programmes and agencies, the debt ceiling determines how much the Treasury can borrow to meet financial obligations already approved by Congress.
The distinction is important. Raising or suspending the debt limit does not independently authorise new spending. It allows the government to finance obligations resulting from existing tax and spending decisions.
The debate is becoming more politically complicated as the transition approaches. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed interest in addressing the borrowing limit before Democrats assume control of Congress. Others may prefer to leave the issue for the next legislative session.
The timing matters because negotiations over the debt ceiling can become a source of pressure between Congress and the White House. A failure to raise or suspend the limit when Treasury financing capacity is exhausted could prevent the government from meeting all its obligations on time.
The precise timing of any potential financing constraint depends on federal receipts, expenditures and Treasury cash management. Consequently, lawmakers cannot treat the debt limit as interchangeable with the December 11 government funding deadline.
Pete Hegseth Faces a Fresh Impeachment Challenge
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also facing renewed congressional scrutiny. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has moved to advance an impeachment resolution containing eight articles against the Pentagon chief.
The effort comes amid criticism surrounding the Trump administration's military campaign in Iran and questions about congressional authority over the conflict.
The resolution places the House in a difficult political position. Republicans still hold the majority, but the party's recent electoral losses have weakened its political standing. Democrats, meanwhile, are preparing to take control of the chamber and could support efforts to bring the measure forward.
President Donald Trump has publicly defended Hegseth and indicated that he intends to keep him in the administration. That position could intensify disagreements between the White House and lawmakers seeking greater scrutiny of the Defense Department's decisions.
An impeachment resolution does not automatically result in removal from office. The House would need to approve articles of impeachment, after which a Senate trial would determine whether removal is justified. Conviction requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
For now, the proposal adds another potentially divisive issue to an already crowded legislative calendar.
Defense Spending and Other Bills Compete for Attention
Beyond government funding and the Hegseth dispute, lawmakers must address the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which establishes policy and authorisations for the Department of Defense.
The legislation is particularly sensitive this year because of disagreements over the Iran conflict and the level of congressional oversight of military operations.
The bill's progress could become complicated if lawmakers seek provisions addressing military funding, operational restrictions or the administration's authority to conduct military action.
Other unfinished business includes energy permitting reform, agricultural legislation and the possible renewal of provisions under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Senate Republicans are also seeking to advance remaining presidential nominations before the party loses its majority in January.
The limited legislative calendar means congressional leaders will have to decide which measures can realistically secure enough support before the session ends.
January Power Transition Changes the Political Calculations
The November midterm results have given Democrats control of both chambers in the incoming Congress, scheduled to begin on January 3, 2027. Until then, Republicans retain their existing majorities and continue to control the legislative agenda.
This creates a short period in which outgoing lawmakers must decide whether to negotiate compromises or attempt to advance priorities before the transfer of power.
Democrats face a different calculation. They may be reluctant to approve major agreements that could restrict their options once they assume control, particularly on government spending and defence policy.
The coming weeks will therefore test whether lawmakers can separate essential government responsibilities from broader political disagreements.
The December 11 funding deadline is the clearest immediate test. How Congress handles the debt limit, the defence legislation and the impeachment effort will also help define the final weeks of Republican control in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the current US government funding measure expire?
The temporary federal funding measure is scheduled to expire on December 11, 2026. Congress must approve another funding measure or full-year appropriations legislation to prevent a lapse in government funding.
2. How is the debt ceiling different from a government shutdown?
A shutdown occurs when federal agencies lack approved funding to continue affected operations. A debt-limit problem occurs when the Treasury cannot borrow additional money to meet existing government obligations. The two issues involve different legal and financial mechanisms.
3. Can Pete Hegseth be removed through an impeachment resolution alone?
No. The House must approve articles of impeachment before a Senate trial can take place. Removal requires conviction by a two-thirds majority of senators present. A resolution being introduced or debated does not itself remove a Cabinet secretary.
4. Why does the outgoing Congress still have legislative authority before January 2027?
Members elected in November do not take office immediately. The existing 119th Congress remains in place until the 120th Congress is sworn in on January 3, 2027. Until that transition, the current House and Senate retain their constitutional legislative powers.
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