Congress resumes amid GOP losses

Congress convened on Monday to face a stark shift in power dynamics. Democrats won a sweeping victory in the midterm elections, stripping Republicans of their majorities in both chambers. President Donald Trump returned to Washington from his Florida home, maintaining his defense of key allies despite the electoral defeat.

The House and Senate will meet for only six weeks before the new Congress takes over on January 3, 2027. This short lame-duck session forces a rapid push to finish pending legislation. Leadership elections and a government funding package are immediate priorities. The government must secure funding by mid-December to avoid another federal shutdown.

The central conflict centers on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A resolution to impeach him is expected to top the agenda. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie pushed the measure forward against the wishes of House GOP leadership. Many Republicans blame Hegseth for the Iran war, a conflict they believe contributed to their election losses. House Speaker Mike Johnson previously blocked the vote in September by sending lawmakers home early.

Trump defended Hegseth in a statement on Sunday night. "He’s guilty of two things, basically winning two wars," Trump said. "I believe we saved the Middle East and Israel combined. And it’s awfully hard to say let’s impeach somebody who did that." Democrats expect to support the resolution widely. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called it a "hard yes" on ABC, stating Hegseth has "abused his power, undermined our national security and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran."

Newly elected officials arrived on Capitol Hill over the weekend. Dozens of Democrats brought families and suitcases for freshman orientation, appearing emboldened by their party's gains. Republican Rep.-elect Chris Stigall of Missouri noted that voters sent a loud message. "Six-dollar diesel, I will tell you, for the farmers in my district, that is a tough pill to swallow," Stigall said, citing the economy as a key concern.

The transition also involves a change in White House leadership. President Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff. Miller, a hard-right architect of domestic policy, takes the helm on Monday. This move signals a potential for more direct confrontation with the incoming Democratic Congress. Republicans in both chambers will hold closed-door leadership meetings this week.

House Republicans face a contentious battle for control. Speaker Mike Johnson stepped aside, setting up a showdown between Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. The two men clashed during the previous speaker election. With fewer seats, Republicans may seek wholesale change in their leadership structure. In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune is expected to retain his role despite his party moving to the minority. Democrats flipped Republican-held seats in Texas and Kansas.

Democrats will hold their leadership elections later this month. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas declined to publicly support Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for the majority leader position. "I think we need somebody who’s going to bring us together and somebody who’s going to come with fresh ideas to what we’re doing," Hamilton said on CNN. No challenger has emerged yet. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, emphasized policy over personalities during a press conference with newly elected lawmakers.

Legislative goals for the final weeks are limited. The annual defense bill, approved nearly every year since World War II, faces complications. Progressive pressure seeks to cut funding for the Iran war and military aid to Israel. The Senate also hopes to begin votes on legislation to speed permitting reviews for new energy infrastructure projects. Trump urged senators to act on this measure in a social media post on Sunday. Pressure remains to confirm Trump’s judicial nominees before the chamber changes hands in January.