Congress Returns to Address Budget and Spending

As Congress reconvenes after Thanksgiving, lawmakers face urgent priorities including government funding, disaster relief, and defense policy ahead of the Dec. 20 deadline to avert a partial government shutdown. A continuing resolution is expected to be passed to maintain funding until early next year, as Republicans prepare to assume control of both chambers and the presidency under President-elect Donald Trump. Key issues include President Biden's nearly $100 billion disaster aid request for hurricane relief and the need to address the federal debt ceiling by Jan. 1. While some Senate Democrats and Republicans aim for an omnibus spending bill, Trump-aligned lawmakers advocate for a short-term funding measure to dismantle previous Democratic spending initiatives. Additionally, the Senate will begin vetting Trump's nominees, including Kash Patel for FBI director and Pam Bondi for attorney general, amid discussions surrounding pardons and political controversies. These developments set the stage for a contentious legislative session as the political landscape shifts.