Congress Returns to a Crowded Lame-Duck Agenda as Hegseth Impeachment Effort Looms

Congress is back for a five-week lame-duck session with government funding, defense policy, surveillance authority and other legislation still pending. Rep. Thomas Massie is expected to renew an impeachment resolution targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while a separate petition seeking access to Epstein-related records is close to the signature threshold for floor consideration.

• The five-week session begins Monday; government funding expires after Dec. 11, and lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement to avert a shutdown.· 1 source
• Massie is expected to reintroduce an eight-article impeachment resolution against Hegseth, potentially prompting a House showdown midweek.· 1 source
• Massie’s Epstein records petition has 216 signatures and needs two more to reach 218 and force floor consideration, according to the report.· 1 source
• The session’s other listed priorities include the annual defense policy bill, FISA Section 702 reauthorization and a Farm Bill; senators are also considering permitting legislation.· 1 source
• The supplied centre-side item says Hegseth is in the crosshairs as Congress returns, but provides no further reporting details.· 1 source