Republicans are in a last-minute sprint to advance their legislative priorities before Democrats assume control of Congress in January. With just five scheduled weeks remaining in session, the GOP faces a tight timeline to fund the government, pass a defense bill, and confirm judicial nominees—all while navigating razor-thin majorities in both chambers.
Government Funding Deadline Looms
The most pressing issue is avoiding a government shutdown when current funding expires on December 11. Negotiations have stalled for months, with Democrats demanding parity between domestic and defense spending increases. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), poised to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee next year, has already signaled her party’s intent to wield its budgetary leverage aggressively.
Defense Bill and Reconciliation Push
Congress must also pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a must-pass policy bill that has been approved every year since 1961. The House passed its version in July, but Senate Democrats blocked their chamber’s bill over objections to Trump’s Iran strategy. Republicans are now considering a budget reconciliation package to fast-track defense funding and potential tax cuts—though disagreements persist over its contents.
Freedom Caucus Demands Action
The conservative House Freedom Caucus is pressuring GOP leaders to maximize their remaining time, urging votes on border security, voter ID laws, and spending cuts. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the group demanded a reconciliation bill with $1 trillion in reductions to offset military modernization and family tax relief.
Nominees and Impeachment Wildcards
Republicans are also rushing to confirm Trump’s judicial picks before Democrats can stall them. Meanwhile, the House may vote on impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth—a move that could eat into precious legislative days if it reaches the Senate. With margins this narrow and time running out, every hour counts for the GOP’s fading majority.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/heres-what-republicans-could-still-get-done-with-their-final-weeks-of-control