Members of the U.S. Congress returned to Washington on Monday, November 9, 2026, following midterm elections that resulted in Democrats winning majorities in both chambers. A primary item of business is an expected vote on a resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) pushed the resolution forward over the objections of House Republican leadership. The move comes as many Republicans blame the party's midterm election losses on the war in Iran.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) previously attempted to prevent a vote on the impeachment in September by abruptly sending lawmakers home early. As the House enters a six-week "lame-duck" session before the new Congress is seated on January 3, 2027, it remains unclear if Johnson will attempt similar procedural delays. President Donald Trump defended Hegseth on Sunday, November 8, stating to reporters that the Secretary was "guilty of two things, basically winning two wars," and stating his belief that they saved the Middle East and Israel combined.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stated on Sunday that he supports the resolution, alleging that Hegseth "abused his power" and "engineered" the war in Iran. While Democrats are expected to widely support the measure, several Republicans have also signaled they could join them. In addition to the Hegseth vote, Congress must address a government funding package before a mid-December deadline to avoid a federal shutdown and pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Internal leadership transitions are also underway. Speaker Johnson has decided to step aside, leading to a contest for House Republican leadership between Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH). In the Senate, John Thune (R-SD) is expected to remain the Republican leader, though his party will move into the minority. Democratic leadership elections are scheduled for later in November, with Hakeem Jeffries on track to become Speaker of the House in January.
For U.S. residents, the legislative priorities during this six-week session include the annual defense bill, which typically determines troop pay raises. However, the legislation currently faces delays over pressure to cut money for the Iran war and military aid to Israel. Furthermore, Congress must reach a funding agreement by mid-December; failure to do so would result in a federal government shutdown, which typically halts non-essential government services and delays pay for federal employees. Republican Representative-elect Chris Stigall of Missouri noted that voters are currently facing economic pressures, citing "six-dollar diesel" as a significant cost for farmers in his district.
The transition of power on January 3, 2027, marks a change in legislative control. Before then, the Senate is under pressure to confirm President Trump’s judicial nominees and pass energy infrastructure permitting legislation. President Trump also appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff on Monday, November 9. The House leadership elections this week will determine who will lead the Republican minority, while Democratic elections later this month will finalize the leadership for the incoming majority.