The House and Senate return to the Capitol on Monday for a lame-duck stretch that marks the last weeks of Republican control before Democrats take over both chambers in January after last week's midterm wave.

Job one is keeping the government open. A stopgap spending law passed about a month before the election runs out on Dec. 11. Leaders in both parties expect another short-term extension because there is neither the time nor the appetite to pass the 12 regular spending bills.

Defense bill and an impeachment vote

The annual defense policy bill, normally treated as must-pass, is stuck in the bitter politics of the war with Iran. Polls show most Americans oppose the conflict. The president has acknowledged it helped push his party out of power.

The House is also expected to vote on articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who helped force the release of the Epstein files, filed the measure. It accuses the administration of failing to properly consult Congress on the military campaign, among other charges.

Big items likely to wait

With control of Congress weeks away, Democrats have little reason to cut deals now. That means efforts such as the Protect College Sports Act, which would set new rules on paying college athletes, plus a bipartisan overhaul of energy permitting are likely to slide into the new term.

Republican leaders could also struggle with attendance. Members who lost their seats are packing up offices and hunting for new jobs, which makes the party's thin margins even harder to manage. One veteran GOP strategist said wrapping up their offices, finding new work and the White House Christmas party could still draw defeated lawmakers back to town.

Money waiting for Puerto Rico

The spending fight also matters far beyond Washington. The full-year budget under negotiation includes a $77.8 million boost for Puerto Rico's nutrition assistance program, plus about $85 million for water projects on the island that are still waiting on final approval.