Welcome back. This week, Congress returns to Washington with 10 working days to prevent a partial government shutdown by December 7th. Reaching an agreement on funding is the highest priority of the Lame Duck, and it could prove contentious given that issues like disaster aid, border wall funding, and legislation to protect the Special Counsel will likely be lurking as potential riders on any package.

The Senate will continue looking at health costs in its ongoing health hearing series, and will also consider several legislative items, which could be moved before the end of this Congress.