STAT+: A looming deadline to fund the government will shape Congress’ unusual lame duck session

Before Democrats take control, Congress must fund expiring health care programs, confirm HHS nominees ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images 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 HHS nominees before Democrats take charge. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe 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.