Congress returns to Capitol Hill on Monday, Nov. 9, for the first time since last week's midterm elections, with government funding set to run out Dec. 11 and Republicans scheduled to pick new leaders Tuesday.
Why it matters: Republicans still control both chambers until January, but Democrats, who won at least 255 House seats and could reach as many as 56 Senate seats, have little reason to cut deals now, CNBC reported.
Government funding
Congress must pass another stopgap or a full-year set of spending bills by Dec. 11 to avoid a shutdown. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on House Appropriations, wants all 12 spending bills passed, CBS News reported. Lawmakers also still need to pass the annual defense policy bill.
Leadership races
House Speaker Mike Johnson is stepping aside, leaving Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan competing to be minority leader, CBS said. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is set to become speaker.
In the Senate, a group led by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin wants to delay Tuesday's Republican leadership elections. "Holding leadership elections without engaging in a robust discussion and evaluation of how those running for leadership intend to lead would be political malpractice," Johnson wrote. Majority Leader John Thune is expected to win a second term as leader.
Also on the agenda
Rep. Thomas Massie is pushing a vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Senate plans a procedural vote Monday evening on a permitting reform bill, CNBC reported, citing a Senate aide, and some Republicans want to raise the debt limit before they lose control.
Related: House vote on impeaching Hegseth and Alaska and Mississippi Senate races still uncalled.