The House left town, but Hegseth impeachment, Epstein and a funding fight are waiting

House Speaker Mike Johnson has sent lawmakers home until after the midterms, leaving a range of contentious issues to be addressed upon their return. These include impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a renewed push to vote on files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the looming government funding deadline on Dec.

11. The situation is expected to be tumultuous as lawmakers return to Washington. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has introduced a resolution to impeach Hegseth, and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) claims there is enough support to sign a petition for another vote on Epstein files. The government funding will expire in about a month after the return of lawmakers, creating a tight deadline for resolving another funding dispute before the holidays.

The midterms will determine control of the next Congress, with Republicans retaining power regardless of the election results until January 3. However, a Democratic-controlled House would shift the balance and control the House agenda. Johnson's decision to send lawmakers home was intended to allow them to reconnect with constituents, but has been criticized as a publicity stunt by some.

The issue of the "Trump Dividend" checks, which have been promised by Trump and would cost an estimated $1.3 trillion, also remains unresolved and will likely require congressional approval.