Congress Wraps Up Before Midterms: Key Highlights

In a crucial final week before the midterm elections, Congress managed to avert a potential government shutdown, extending funding deadlines until December 20th. Key hearings focused on prominent issues such as abortion rights and escalating drug prices, vital topics lawmakers plan to campaign on. Notably, House Republicans on the Foreign Affairs Committee recommended that Secretary of State Antony Blinken be held in contempt, highlighting the tension in foreign affairs. Additionally, a bipartisan task force met for the first time to investigate the assassination attempt against former president Trump, emphasizing a solution-driven approach rather than establishing guilt. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky also held a closed-door session with lawmakers, underscoring international concerns. Looking ahead, Congress faces a pressing agenda upon their return in November: a lame duck session primarily aimed at negotiating and passing a new funding plan to prevent government shutdown. With only 20 work days available, the urgency intensifies, as lawmakers must navigate complex issues quickly. The stakes are high, reflecting the intense political climate ahead of the elections.