New Democrats arrive as lame-duck Congress faces Hegseth impeachment
Six weeks remain before power shifts on Jan. 3, 2027, and lawmakers are already clashing over war costs and leadership.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
A fractured Congress reconvened Monday after Democrats swept the midterms, leaving Republicans to manage a shortened six-week session before control changes hands on Jan. 3, 2027.
The immediate agenda is crowded. Leaders must elect new party heads, pass a government funding package by mid-December, and confirm judicial nominees. The most contentious item is a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie pushed the measure forward over objections from House leadership, citing accountability for the Iran war. Democrats are expected to back the vote, with House leader Hakeem Jeffries calling Hegseth’s actions an abuse of power.
President Trump defended the secretary on Sunday night, claiming he won two wars and saved the Middle East and Israel. "It’s awfully hard to say let’s impeach somebody who did that," Trump said. He also named Stephen Miller, his top domestic policy aide, as the new White House chief of staff. Miller assumes the role Monday, signaling a more confrontational stance toward the new congressional majority.
Freshman lawmakers arrived on Capitol Hill over the weekend. Democrats arrived with suitcases for orientation, while Republicans arrived in smaller numbers. Rep.-elect Daniel Biss of Illinois said voters had "had enough of Donald Trump." Rep.-elect Chris Stigall of Missouri noted that farmers in his district are struggling with six-dollar diesel and said the party needs to reconnect with the economy.
House Republicans are bracing for a leadership battle. Speaker Mike Johnson stepped aside, setting up a contest between Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune is expected to keep his post despite the party losing seats in Texas and Kansas. Democratic leadership elections will occur later this month. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas questioned whether current leaders are bringing fresh ideas, while Rep. Greg Casar of Texas emphasized policy over personality in the new caucus.
The legislative docket has shrunk. The annual defense bill remains stuck over progressive demands to cut funding for the Iran war and military aid to Israel. The Senate hopes to begin votes on energy permitting legislation this week, a priority pushed by Trump on social media. The government must be funded by mid-December to avoid another shutdown.
