Lame-duck Congress faces shutdown deadline, Hegseth impeachment, and GOP scramble

Key points

• Democrats gained control of the House and Senate in the 2026 midterms, creating a 'blue tsunami' that shifts power away from Republicans.
• The lame-duck session runs for approximately five weeks, ending before the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027.
• Lawmakers must pass a funding bill by December 11 to prevent a government shutdown, a task complicated by disagreements over defense spending.
• Republicans aim to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and confirm judicial nominees before losing Senate control.
• Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is pushing for an impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which could derail other legislative efforts.
• Some Republicans urge using budget reconciliation to pass major bills without a Democratic filibuster, though this process is time-consuming.

Background

This session follows the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats secured majorities in both chambers, marking a significant shift from the previous Republican control. Previous coverage noted President Trump’s vows to veto legislation and blame the Iran conflict for Republican losses. The current session is the final period of Republican influence before the 120th Congress begins.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News emphasizes the 'packed to-do list' facing the new Democratic majority, focusing on the urgency of averting a shutdown. The Washington Post highlights the Republican strategy to use budget reconciliation and work through holidays to pass their agenda before losing power. AP News frames the session as a 'changed Washington,' noting the contrast between jubilant Democratic freshmen and sobering Republican losses, while also detailing the internal GOP leadership battles. ABC News focuses on the procedural chaos, specifically the potential impeachment of Hegseth and the largest freshman class in nearly a century.

Why it matters

The outcome of this lame-duck session will determine the immediate policy landscape for the new Democratic Congress. A government shutdown could disrupt federal services, while the failure to pass the defense bill could impact military readiness and troop pay. The impeachment of Hegseth signals a potential shift in accountability for the Iran conflict, which many Republicans blame for their electoral defeat. Additionally, the confirmation of judicial nominees now could shape the federal judiciary for years, as Democrats are unlikely to confirm Republican nominees later.

What to watch

The House is expected to vote on the Hegseth impeachment resolution this week. Senate Republicans will hold a procedural vote on permitting reform legislation on Monday. Appropriations committees will meet to negotiate a funding deal to avoid a shutdown by December 11. Republicans may attempt to pass a reconciliation bill, though time constraints make this difficult. The new Congress will convene on January 3, 2027, with Democrats taking control of both chambers.