Congress faces a Dec. 11 funding deadline under the current continuing resolution (H.R. 6500), which maintains fiscal 2026 spending levels and expires without new legislation or another stopgap. In the post-midterm lame-duck session, with Democrats set to gain congressional majorities in January, negotiations center on whether to extend funding, pass full-year appropriations, or attach conditions related to emergency spending for operations in Iran. Democratic lawmakers have signaled interest in using the must-pass measure to impose restrictions on additional war funding, while some Republicans have indicated willingness to risk a lapse rather than limit executive authority. Limited session days and the need for bipartisan support to clear the Senate filibuster threshold increase the potential for extended talks or temporary extensions.