Congress returns to face Hegseth impeachment vote and funding deadline

Congress returned Monday for a six-week lame-duck session, with the House expected to vote on an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war, despite defense from President Donald Trump. The session follows major Democratic victories in the midterm elections, which will shift control of Capitol Hill on Jan. 3, 2027. President Trump appointed senior adviser Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff ahead of anticipated fights with Congress. House Republicans are preparing for a leadership battle between Rep. Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan after Speaker Mike Johnson decided to step aside. Lawmakers also face urgent deadlines, including passing a critical government funding package by mid-December to avoid a federal shutdown.