Republicans return to Washington after midterm election losses

Republicans returned to Washington Monday facing the fallout of last week's midterm election rout, in which Democrats won a 54-seat Senate majority and a 254-seat House majority, with both margins potentially expanding as counting continues. Lawmakers split over whether the scale of defeat was foreseeable, with some citing ignored warnings and others admitting they failed to deliver on campaign promises. Republicans pointed to issues like Medicaid cuts and voter frustration, while acknowledging the party's worst midterm performance since 1974. Congress faces a crowded year-end agenda, including expiring government funding on December 11, a defense policy bill, and an agricultural measure. House Republicans must also decide on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while Democrats prepare to resist further Trump agenda items.