Lame-Duck Congress Races to Avert Shutdown Before Dec. 11 Deadline
Congress returns for a high-stakes lame-duck session with a Dec. 11 deadline to prevent a government shutdown.
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Lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill for their first session since the midterm elections, facing a narrow window to advance key legislative priorities before the end of the 119th Congress. With Democrats set to take control of both chambers in January, Monday’s lame-duck session carries significant political weight, as the incoming majority could gain additional leverage in negotiations over spending and other legislative priorities.
Shutdown Deadline Looms
Congress also faces a December 11th deadline to avert a government shutdown, requiring lawmakers to enact an additional stopgap spending bill or a full-year appropriations package before funding expires. The Senate’s filibuster rules mean most spending legislation requires 60 votes to pass, putting the GOP in a tough position as they seek bipartisan support to move forward with appropriations bills or another continuing resolution.
Major Legislative Priorities
Lawmakers must clear several major priorities, including the National Defense Authorization Act, a construction permitting package, and the Protect College Sports Act, which would establish federal rules governing student-athlete compensation, eligibility, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) recently described the lame-duck session as a chaotic period, comparing it to a cluttered closet where lawmakers must figure out how to sort through the mess.
Democrats Eye Spending Revisions
As Democrats prepare to assume control of both chambers, the incoming majority could seek to revisit spending priorities and pursue concessions in negotiations with Republicans and the White House. The political dynamics of the lame-duck session are shaping up to be a critical test of congressional cooperation and the ability of lawmakers to address pressing fiscal and policy issues before the end of the year.
Key Challenges Ahead
With time running out, the focus is on passing essential legislation to avoid a government shutdown and to set the stage for the new Congress. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current session can deliver on its legislative promises or if the challenges will persist into the new year.
Source: OANN
