John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John\Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — Democrats decisively won control of the House and Senate, but Republicans are still in charge until next year, and Congress has until Dec. 11 to pass a bill to fund the government. Those are the dynamics determining what’s possible during the lame duck session, which begins next week and ends when the next Congress is seated in January. Any health care legislation that gets done this year would almost certainly have to be part of a government funding bill. Republicans also need to confirm several of President Trump’s Health and Human Services nominees before Democrats take charge. John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John\Wilkerson.07. Your data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You may opt out of receiving STAT communications at any time.
A looming deadline to fund the government will shape Congress’ unusual lame duck session
United StatesJohn D. WilkersonNovember 4, 2026
Corporateantitrustprivacyelection
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