Congress faces a December 11, 2026 funding deadline under the current continuing resolution, after which a lapse would begin December 12 absent new legislation. The lame-duck session gives Republicans limited session days to pass full-year appropriations, another stopgap measure, or an omnibus before Democrats assume House and Senate majorities in January 2027. Democrats have signaled willingness to condition support on restrictions tied to the Iran conflict, while Republicans seek supplemental defense funding and other priorities. No regular appropriations bills have cleared both chambers, increasing reliance on last-minute negotiations or a funding gap. The short timeline and divided incentives between the outgoing and incoming Congress shape the risk of a shutdown.