Congress returns for busy lame-duck session with shutdown deadline, Hegseth impeachment push

Congress returns Monday for a five-week lame-duck session facing a crowded agenda, including averting a government shutdown after Dec. 11, passing the National Defense Authorization Act, and addressing the impeachment of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure from his conference as GOP leadership plans to advance just one bill under a rule next week. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is expected to reintroduce a privileged resolution with eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth, who has Trump's backing despite Republican criticism over the Iran war. At least 109 incoming House freshmen will be seated in January, the largest class since 1933. Lawmakers must also address FISA reform, the expired Farm Bill, and Massie's Epstein discharge petition, while Senate Republicans rush to confirm Trump's nominees before losing control.