U.S. Congress faces critical year-end legislative deadlines on funding, defense, and infrastructure

The U.S. Congress is set to return after the midterm elections to a compressed year-end agenda, with several major authorizations and government funding converging around a December 11, 2026, deadline. Key legislative items include full-year appropriations for Fiscal Year 2027, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), surface transportation programs, and portions of the Farm Bill. The outcome will determine whether a broad legislative package is passed or if politically difficult decisions are deferred to 2027.