Congress Returns for Lame-Duck Session
Lawmakers have fewer than 25 session days left before the 120th Congress begins, with a December funding deadline looming.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Congress returned to session in November 2026 for a lame-duck session with fewer than 25 days remaining before the 120th Congress begins. Lawmakers face a December funding deadline and the possibility of a government shutdown.
Why it matters
The limited remaining session days and the December funding deadline leave little time to resolve pending priorities before the Congress turns over. A shutdown at that deadline would affect federal operations nationwide.
Fewer than 25 days remain in session before the 120th Congress convenes. Whether lawmakers can pass funding legislation before the December deadline has not been determined.
The players
Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller is a longtime Trump adviser who has taken over as White House chief of staff.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States, who has publicly questioned his own deportation policy and floated an immigration deal with Democrats.
Hakeem Jeffries
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader and leader of House Democrats.
Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Secretary of Defense, who faces potential impeachment efforts from House Democrats.
The details
Congress returned to session for a lame-duck period as the current Congress nears its end. Stephen Miller takes over as White House chief of staff the same day, while Trump has suggested a possible immigration deal with Democrats.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Congress returns to session and Stephen Miller takes over as White House chief of staff.
December 2026: Government funding deadline.
January 2027: The 120th Congress begins.
Legislative Policy Context
Lame-duck sessions following midterm elections have historically been used to finalize funding and pending legislation before a new Congress takes office. This session follows that established pattern, with a December funding deadline set to test whether lawmakers can finish their work in the limited time remaining.
A government shutdown at the December funding deadline would interrupt federal services and paychecks for federal workers. Residents relying on federal programs could see delays if no funding agreement is reached in time.
The takeaway
The remaining session days are few, so the December funding deadline will show quickly whether Congress can finish its work before the new Congress takes over. Readers should watch that deadline closely, since it determines whether federal operations continue without interruption.
What happens next
Lawmakers face a December 2026 government funding deadline, after which the 120th Congress begins in January 2027.
Further reading
Explore more coverage of Legislative Policy to follow how lawmakers handle the remaining session.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CNN International.
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Should Congress pass a deal to reform immigration policy this year?
