Congress faces Dec. 11 deadline to fund government, shaping lame-duck session and health-care agenda

Democrats have taken control of both the House and Senate, but Republicans will remain in power until the new Congress convenes in January.

Lawmakers must pass a funding bill by Dec. 11 to avoid a shutdown, and any health‑care measures this year are expected to be attached to that appropriations package.

Republicans also need to confirm several HHS nominees appointed by former President Trump before Democrats assume authority.

The tight timeline is set to dominate the brief lame‑duck session, limiting the scope of new health‑care legislation.