Congress reconvenes Monday for a five-week lame-duck session with a significant legislative to-do list and the looming possibility of an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This session follows a historic midterm election that saw Democrats secure majority control of the House and Senate. Dozens of lawmakers are concluding their tenures, with at least 17 senators and numerous House members preparing to leave their seats.
Hegseth Impeachment Threatens Agenda
Republican Representative Thomas Massie is expected to reintroduce a privileged resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Massie's resolution includes eight articles of impeachment, targeting Hegseth amid ongoing criticism for his handling of the Iran war and his cultural agenda at the Pentagon. President Donald Trump has stated his intention to keep Hegseth in his position, despite some Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, linking the Iran war policies to the party's midterm election losses.
Hegseth has publicly defended his actions, drawing parallels to the impeachments of former President Trump. Massie could bring his resolution to a vote as early as Monday, potentially forcing a showdown midweek.
Epstein Transparency Act Petition Nears Signature Goal
Massie is also close to gathering the required 218 signatures for his Epstein Transparency Act II petition. This bill aims to empower state attorneys general, victims, and members of Congress to sue the U.S. Attorney General for withholding or redacting records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell investigations. Massie has secured 216 signatures and needs two more Democrats to force floor consideration. Attorney General Todd Blanche has acknowledged "mistakes" in the redaction process of victim names but stated the department acted to correct them.
Leadership Elections and Freshman Orientation
Speaker Mike Johnson has announced he will not seek re-election as GOP leader, setting up a contest between Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan for House Republican leader. House Democrats are scheduled to hold their leadership elections on November 18, with Hakeem Jeffries expected to be nominated for speaker.
Senate Republicans will also hold closed-door elections for party leaders on Tuesday morning, with no major leadership changes anticipated.
New members from both the House and Senate will undergo orientation starting Sunday and continuing through the week. The House will see the largest pre-convening freshmen class in nearly a century, with at least 109 incoming members.
Key Legislative Deadlines
Lawmakers face a crowded legislative agenda before year's end. Government funding expires on December 11, necessitating action to prevent a shutdown. Other critical items include passing the National Defense Authorization Act, reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and passing the expired Farm Bill.
Senate Republicans also aim to confirm President Trump's remaining nominees before losing control of the chamber. Additionally, consideration of permitting reform legislation, aimed at streamlining infrastructure projects, is on the Senate's schedule.