Congress Faces December 11 Deadline for Federal Funding Extension
Lawmakers in their final weeks of the 119th Congress must navigate defense spending, an impeachment bid, and slim majorities before the holiday break.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Federal government funding will run out on December 11, marking the hard deadline for the final legislative session of the 119th Congress. This date coincides with the expiration of the stop-gap measure passed one month before the midterm elections. Lawmakers have only a few weeks to act before Republicans lose control of both chambers.
A short-term continuing resolution is the expected mechanism to keep the government open. The standard process involves negotiating 12 separate appropriations bills, a procedure that requires time and political capital currently unavailable to the chamber. Most observers agree that a full funding package is unlikely before the new Congress convenes.
The National Defense Authorization Act presents a more complex challenge. This annual military funding bill is currently stalled due to political disagreement over the Iran war. A majority of Americans oppose the conflict, a sentiment President Trump acknowledged as a factor in his party’s recent electoral losses. The bill’s fate hangs on the ability of members to reconcile their votes with public opinion.
The House is also preparing a vote on an impeachment measure targeting Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The proposal was introduced by Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a member who played a central role in forcing the administration to release the Epstein files. The charges include the claim that the administration failed to properly consult Congress regarding the military campaign.
Democrats, who take control of both chambers in January, are unlikely to compromise on major legislation in this final session. Consequently, high-priority items such as the Protect College Sports Act and a bipartisan energy permitting overhaul will likely wait until the new term begins. The Protect College Sports Act seeks to establish new regulations for college athlete compensation.
Attendance in both chambers is expected to be thin, complicating passage of any legislation. Members are already dealing with slim majorities and the aftermath of last week’s midterm elections. Mike Ricci, a Republican strategist who served as an aide to former House Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, noted that practical considerations may draw members back. These include closing their offices, securing new employment, and attending the White House Christmas party.
