Congress returns for lame-duck session facing shutdown, leadership races

Key Points:

• Lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill for the first time since the midterm elections, with Republicans facing urgent tasks before Democrats assume control in January, including avoiding a government shutdown as current federal funding expires on December 11.
• Congress is expected to pass a short-term continuing resolution to extend funding through early next year, while also addressing key legislative priorities such as the farm bill, transportation infrastructure, a bipartisan tax package, and the looming debt ceiling deadline in January.
• Republican lawmakers expressed mixed optimism about legislative productivity during the lame-duck session, with some citing partisan conflicts in the Senate but emphasizing the need to unite and focus on governance rather than leadership battles.
• Republicans will soon select new leadership for the next Congress, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune expected to become minority leader unopposed, and a contested race between Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan for House minority leader.
• Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are poised to take control with Jeffries likely becoming Speaker, while Republicans aim to advance election security and permitting reform bills before the transition of power.