What Republicans don’t get done in the lame-duck session will be left for the Democrat majority next year.
by David Shephard, ©2026
(Nov. 9, 2026) — Congress comes back into session today, and what is notable is that Republicans will still be in charge of both Houses of the Legislative branch until January 3. This period after the election, and before the new Congress is sworn in, is known as the lame-duck session. A lame duck sounds bad, but this session, which lasts for six weeks, will be the Republicans’ last chance to advance their agenda, probably for several years. What Republicans don’t get done this session will be left for the Democrat majority starting in 2027.
Republicans are demoralized, and the concern is that some defeated GOP members may not show up for the lame-duck session, which would deny their party a majority and waste the last opportunity that Republicans have to add to their legacy. I would urge all Republican members to show up and make this lame-duck session the most productive ever.
So much is at stake. First, federal judges. For Republicans this is their last chance, because after January Democrats will be able to block any Supreme Court and all lower court nominees. No more conservative judges for a while. Currently, there are eighteen district judicial nominees and two appellate court nominees who are ready to be confirmed. No doubt, Senate Democrats will try every procedural tactic to eat up time, but if the Republican majority is determined then they can get the judges through. However, they may need to work around the clock, so they may want to bring in some cots.
Second, they have an opportunity to pass a good federal permitting bill, which speeds up the bureaucratic procedures and removes obstacles which will make it easier to advance new energy and infrastructure projects. This is a much-needed reform, which will create jobs and lower the cost of energy, but if we don’t get it done in the lame-duck session, then the Democratic majority will do it next year, and their version will be less business-friendly.
Also, the ridiculous and absurd, and defeated, congressman from Kentucky, Tom Massie, is pushing, with no surprise and the support of Democrats, articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The Constitution requires evidence of “high crimes and misdemeanors” to impeach. Does Massie have any such evidence against Hegseth? No, Massie is a nut. To give you an idea about the character of Tom Massie, in 2023, he was the only member of Congress to vote against a resolution condemning antisemitism. Then in 2026 he was defeated in a primary. He blamed supporters of Israel for his defeat.
Today, I listened to much of Massie’s floor speech with the anticipation of hearing some evidence against Hegseth. Sadly, Massie offered nothing but a rehash of the War Powers Act of 1973. My guess is that Massie’s real motive is personal. He believes that Hegseth has been too friendly with Israel, who helped defeat him, so to try to get even, Massie will bring down Hegseth.
As far as evidence to impeach, well, in the demented mind of Thomas Massie, supporting Israel does count as a “high crime and misdemeanor.” It is important to defeat Massie’s absurd resolution, which will bring an end to his 15 minutes of fame. And the Republican Party’s repudiation of Massie will be a good first step toward rebuilding.
On the practical side, the lame-duck Republicans also need to fund the government for the rest of the year, and they need to pass a defense budget, which includes a promised pay raise for the military.
Republicans can start the rebuilding period with a productive lame-duck session. They owe it to Republican voters and activists who worked so hard during this election cycle. Lame-duck Republicans should show some fight. They are in office until January 3rd, and they should work as hard as they can until their term is up.
Anything less is a dereliction of duty.
David Shephard is a native and very proud Virginian. Raised in Fairfax County, David graduated from George Mason University and majored in Government and Politics. He spent decades in politics, campaign consulting, raising money and lobbying. He is also a longtime conservative blogger writing for numerous blogs. He is also the host of “The Virginia Gentleman Podcast.”
David is the author of Elections Have Consequences, A Cautionary Tale, and his latest book, Norton’s Choice: An Inside Politics Exposé.
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