This week, Congress returns to Washington for its lame duck session with uncertain expectations for what gets done between now and the next funding deadline of December 7, 2018. There are a number of legislative items that passed one chamber and not the other, and watch to see which bills make it across the finish line. One example, and the most likely to get done, is the recently expired Pandemic and All - Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (PAHPA), which was passed by the House but awaits Senate consideration.

The political reality that Democrats will control the House in 2019 will begin to take shape and play a role in what moves during the lame duck. In other words, Democrats can be strategic in what they allow to move during the lame duck. While the CREATES Act has garnered bipartisan support, Democrats may be less inclined to accept any compromise offers so House Democrats have more control in what language is considered in a new Congress.