Congress Returns After GOP Wipeout
Lawmakers face funding fights and leadership races after Democrats’ midterm gains.
November 9, 2026 · Updated Nov 9, 10:59am ET
Boston GlobeCongress returns to a changed Washington after GOP’s election wipeout
CNBCCongress returns with government funding, Pete Hegseth and the debt limit on the agenda
Epoch TimesCongress Returns for First Session After Democrats’ Midterm Victory
TPMNew Congress Gets Underway With Hegseth Impeachment Effort
ABC NewsCongress returns for crowded lame-duck session as Hegseth impeachment, government funding deadline loom
FOX NewsCongress returns to brutal lame-duck stretch with shutdown deadline, leadership races: 'Closet is full of s—'
Associated PressCongress returns to a changed Washington after GOP's election wipeout
Just the NewsCongress faces crammed lame-duck session with little bipartisan appetite
NBC NewsTrump administration live updates: Congress returns with government funding atop its to-do list
Breitbart NewsCongress returns to a changed Washington after GOP's election wipeout
BloombergTrump Preps for Battle As Congress Returns With Long To-Do List
NPRCongress is coming back to Washington. Here's what to expect
CBS NewsCongress returns for lame-duck sprint after bruising midterm losses for GOP
USA TODAYThe GOP controls Congress until January. And there's a lot to do
SemaforHouse GOP gears up for leadership reshuffling
13%
Left · 2
56%
Center · 9
31%
Right · 5
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
- Congress returned Monday after Republicans’ sweeping midterm losses, facing a crowded final session before Democrats take control in January.
- Lawmakers must extend government funding before it expires Dec. 11 to avoid a shutdown.
- The House is preparing to vote this week on Republican Rep. Thomas Massie
Thomas MassieAmerican politician’s resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. - House Republicans face a leadership contest after Speaker Mike Johnson
Mike JohnsonSpeaker of the United States House of Representatives said he would not seek the minority leader’s job. - Defense and farm legislation also remain unresolved as lawmakers prepare for the new Congress to take office Jan. 3.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets emphasized the changed balance of power and a potentially eventful final session. The Boston Globe contrasted jubilant incoming Democrats with Republicans confronting their losses. TPM highlighted the Hegseth impeachment push and leadership maneuvering, saying the session could be “way more eventful than anticipated.”
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets largely emphasized Republicans’ crowded agenda and dwindling time before losing control. Fox News called it a “brutal lame-duck stretch,” highlighting shutdown risks and leadership races. The Epoch Times listed funding and defense priorities, while Just the News stressed limited appetite for bipartisan deals.
Republican Midterm Reckoning
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 9President Trump Links Iran To LossesLeans Right
- Nov 9Democrats Clash Over New MajorityBalanced
- Nov 9Congress Returns After GOP Wipeout (this story)Balanced
- Nov 9Trump Rejects Amnesty After Floating DealLeans Right
- Nov 8President Trump Questions Immigration CrackdownMostly Center
