Congressional Agenda for 2026: Key Issues and Legislative Efforts

As Congress enters 2026, the primary focus for congressional Republicans is navigating government funding amidst the upcoming midterm elections. Currently, only three of the twelve fiscal 2026 appropriations bills have been enacted, with stopgap funding set to expire on January 30. The House has recently passed three additional measures related to Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, and Interior-Environment, while the Senate is preparing to consider these bills. A significant challenge lies in reaching consensus on the Homeland Security appropriations, complicated by recent events, including a fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

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Health care remains a pressing issue, particularly regarding the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expired on December 31, 2025. The House passed a bill to extend these tax credits for three years, with bipartisan support, but the Senate has struggled to advance similar legislation. A bipartisan group aims to negotiate a two-year extension, highlighting the urgency as open enrollment for ACA plans closes on January 15.

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In addition, Senate Republicans are advocating for a legislative package focused on affordability measures, including targeting fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed interest in advancing housing legislation to address affordability and availability.

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Lawmakers are also revisiting efforts to establish a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency market. The proposed Clarity Act aims to clarify the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in regulating digital assets. Key issues under discussion include stablecoin-linked rewards and the treatment of decentralized finance platforms. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the future of the crypto industry in the U.S.

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Democrats have indicated that the health care subsidy debate will be central to their midterm messaging, particularly as Republicans defend their slim House majority. Critics of the proposed stock trading ban for Congress members argue that it does not adequately address conflicts of interest, as it allows lawmakers to retain existing stock holdings. Additionally, the proposed repeal of fraud and breach of trust offenses in Israel's criminal code has faced backlash, with opposition leaders labeling it a threat to democratic integrity.

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As Congress continues to grapple with these pressing issues, upcoming deadlines and negotiations will shape the legislative landscape. The expiration of the highway bill in September and the need for a comprehensive farm bill will further complicate discussions. Lawmakers are expected to engage in ongoing negotiations to address these challenges while navigating the political dynamics leading up to the midterm elections.

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• “You got to win the midterms, because if we don’t win the midterms,” — President Donald Trump

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• “The American people deserve to know that their members of Congress is not profiting off of insider information,” — Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis.

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• “This is not a reform; it is a full-fledged coup that will turn Israel into a failed and backward third-world state,” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

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This comprehensive overview highlights the key legislative priorities and challenges facing Congress in 2026, emphasizing the interplay between funding, health care, and regulatory efforts amidst a politically charged environment.

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