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Congress Returns for Lame-Duck Session Amid High Stakes
· Confirmed
In Short: Congress returned to Washington on Monday for a five-week lame-duck session, following the midterm elections that saw Democrats sweep into majority control of both the House and Senate.
Congress returns for lame-duck session. We Are Iowa Local 5 News
The session carries significant political weight, as the incoming Democratic majority could gain additional leverage in negotiations over spending and other legislative priorities.
At least 17 senators and dozens of representatives are ending their tenures, adding urgency to the session.
The session also includes ongoing legal battles, such as a federal judge grilling former FBI Director James Comey’s attorneys over the potential futility of their efforts to dismiss a criminal case.
In entertainment, the return of Dr. Kelso on a TV show was confirmed, and the show plans to explore the mental health struggles of one of its characters.
What this adds
The return of Congress marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with Democrats now in control of both chambers.
The lame-duck session is crucial for both parties to set the legislative agenda for the next Congress.
Background
Congress returned to Washington on Tuesday with a limited agenda, as Democrats secured control of the Senate, reshaping the political landscape and likely hampering President Donald Trump's ability to push his agenda.
Congress returned to Washington on Tuesday with a limited agenda, as Democrats secured control of the Senate, reshaping the political landscape and likely hampering President Donald Trump's ability to push his agenda.
What's confirmed
- Following the historic midterm election sweeping Democrats into majority control of the House and Senate, Congress returns Monday for a five-week lame-duck session, with a long to-list to tackle before the end of the year and dozens of lawmakers ending their tenure in the House, and at least 17 senators heading home as well.
What's still developing
- OAN Staff Lillian Mann 11:41 AM – Monday, November 9, 2026 Lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill for their first session since the midterm elections, facing a narrow window to advance key legislative priorities before the end of the 119 th Congress.
- A federal judge grilled former FBI Director James Comey’s attorneys on Friday over whether their effort to dismiss the Justice Department’s latest criminal case could become “a great exercise in futility” if a grand jury returns an indictment alleging more recent conduct.
- Another notable NFL player has been dealt ahead of the league's trade deadline.
- At the end of the session, he said he would render his decision by the next day.
Sources
- Deltaplex Newslink
- Everettpostlink
- Flvoicenewslink
- Oannlink
- Cinemaexpresslink
- BBClink
- Nfltraderumorslink
- Wunclink
- Bleacherreportlink
- Washingtonexaminerlink
- Theclemsoninsiderlink
- CBS Sportslink
- Deadlinelink
- Sbnationlink
- Blackandteallink
- Dailynewslink
- We Are Iowa Local 5 News — video link
- ABC30 Action News — video link
- KSDK News — video link
- CBS News — video link
- The Hill — video link
- KTXS News — video link