Congress Returns for Lame-Duck Session Amid Impeachment Threats
Lawmakers face a packed legislative agenda following historic midterm election results and leadership shifts.
1Historic Midterm Election Shift
Following the 2026 midterm elections, Democrats have secured majority control of both the House and the Senate. This shift marks a significant change in the legislative landscape as Congress returns for a five-week lame-duck session. Dozens of lawmakers are ending their tenures, while the largest freshman class since 1933 prepares for office.
2Impeachment Pressure on Hegseth
Republican Representative Thomas Massie is expected to introduce a privileged resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The resolution contains eight specific articles of impeachment. This move comes as Hegseth faces intense scrutiny following the party's midterm losses, which some officials, including Vice President JD Vance, attribute to the ongoing war in Iran.
3Epstein Transparency Act Petition
Representative Massie is nearing the 218 signatures required for his Epstein discharge petition, which targets Attorney General Todd Blanche. With 216 signatures already secured, he needs only two Democrats to force a floor vote. The bill aims to empower officials to sue the Attorney General for allegedly withholding investigative records regarding Jeffrey Epstein.
4Leadership Transitions Underway
House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced he will not seek reelection as GOP leader, triggering a contest between Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan. Meanwhile, House Democrats plan leadership elections for November 18, where Hakeem Jeffries is expected to secure the speaker nomination. Senate Republicans will hold closed-door leadership elections on Tuesday morning.
5Freshman Orientation and Turnover
New member orientation begins this week, featuring a photo opportunity on the House steps on Thursday. At least 17 senators are departing, and additional vacancies will arise as Marsha Blackburn and Amy Klobuchar transition to governor roles. These departures ensure a significant influx of new members into the 120th Congress this January.
6Critical Legislative Deadlines
Lawmakers face a December 11 deadline to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. Additionally, Congress must pass the National Defense Authorization Act before the end of 2026. Disputes regarding funding for the war in Iran remain a major hurdle, complicating the path toward passing these essential annual defense and policy bills.
7FISA and Farm Bill Status
Beyond government funding, the lame-duck session must address the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The expired Farm Bill also remains on the legislative to-do list. These items require bipartisan cooperation, which may prove difficult given the current political tensions and the looming transition of power in January.
8Senate Confirmation Challenges
Senate Republicans aim to confirm remaining Trump nominees before losing their majority in January. This effort requires Senator John Thune to secure sufficient floor time. However, Democrats may withhold unanimous consent, potentially stalling the confirmation process throughout the lame-duck period as they prepare to assume control of the chamber in the new year.
9Permitting Reform Procedural Vote
The Senate will hold a procedural vote on Monday regarding permitting reform legislation. This bipartisan package seeks to overhaul federal regulations to streamline infrastructure projects. The vote will indicate whether previous negotiations remain viable or if Democrats prefer to delay the issue until they hold the majority in the next legislative session.