Congress Returns Amid Funding Crisis and Hegseth Impeachment

The United States Congress returned to session with Republicans maintaining control of the House and Senate for a final few weeks before Democrats assume power in January. Lawmakers face a critical December 11 deadline to pass a new spending measure to avoid a government shutdown.

Legislative priorities are complicated by an ongoing military conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump acknowledged that this war contributed to the Democratic takeover of Congress. In response to the conflict, Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced impeachment proceedings against War Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging that Hegseth launched military action without necessary congressional consultation.

Congress is expected to address the National Defense Authorization Act amid these tensions. Other proposed legislation, including an energy permitting overhaul and the Protect College Sports Act, is unlikely to advance before the transition of power in January.