Both chambers remain out until after the November 3 elections, and a crowded lame duck awaits when they return the week of November 9. Lawmakers will have until December 11, when the continuing resolution (CR) expires, to fund the government. Only three of the twelve fiscal year 2027 spending bills have passed the House, so either a large package of bills or an additional CR is likely.

With the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) October 9 release of funds, the focus is now on supplemental funding. A bipartisan House letter to appropriators has requested an additional $3 billion in emergency funding for FY27.

Surface transportation programs also expire December 11, and another extension into 2027 is likely. The farm bill, which lapsed September 30, is also still waiting on a final deal. The House passed its version in April, and the Senate Agriculture Committee followed in September. A year-end tax package remains possible, though nothing is confirmed.

There are no committee hearings of interest this week.