Both chambers are in session for their last week of work before the Christmas recess, which will mark the end of the first session of this Congress. They are scheduled to return January 5.

The House floor agenda spans education and workforce, government operations and IT oversight, a defense recognition resolution, maritime and transportation reauthorizations, and a substantial environment and natural‑resources package. That package includes H.R. 4776 (SPEED Act), a National Environmental Protections Act (NEPA) reform bill that would narrow the scope of environmental effects agencies must analyze to those proximately caused by a project, set tighter filing windows and standards for judicial review, and add participation requirements that limit who can bring challenges.

The real focus in Washington this week is health care. House GOP leaders plan to bring up the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, their answer to the Dec. 31 lapse of enhanced ACA premium tax credits. With just over two weeks until the credits sunset, the Senate is not expected to move a fix in time even if the House bill passes.

Meanwhile the Senate will consider the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act funding bill, where it is expected to pass as it has every year for the past six decades. The House cleared the 3,000‑plus‑page package last Wednesday.

Looking ahead, the Senate is poised to finish the NDAA this week, the House is eyeing health care votes, and the enhanced ACA credits hit a hard stop on Dec. 31. Congress breaks on Friday and will return Monday, January 5, for the second session.

Today at 10:00 AM, the House Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing on examining the Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance program. You can watch the proceedings here.