House lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday after a five-week recess with a brief agenda focused primarily on preventing a government shutdown ahead of the November midterm elections. The first major item is expected to be a vote on a stopgap spending bill that would keep the federal government funded through early December.

The legislation has already passed the Senate with a 90-6 vote, reflecting bipartisan efforts to avoid the shutdown scenarios seen earlier this year. The bill incorporates several key changes, including delaying a proposed Office of Management and Budget rule that would increase political appointees’ authority over federal grant distributions, as well as provisions to block the transfer of funds to the Border Patrol. However, a one-month delay on a federal ban of intoxicating hemp THC products has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers. Due to this, GOP leaders are expected to use a fast-track process requiring a two-thirds majority vote rather than a separate procedural vote to advance the measure, which would then be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

In addition to funding, House Republicans are preparing to advance a resolution condemning socialism, aiming to link the Democratic Party broadly with the democratic socialist candidates who have gained ground in recent elections. This effort is part of a larger GOP strategy to frame the November campaign narrative.

Another significant item under consideration is a bill passed by the Senate that imposes sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy and grants President Trump broad authority to impose tariffs on products imported from countries that purchase the majority of Russian oil and gas. The bill, championed by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, seeks to cut off revenue streams to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the Senate approved it 86-11, some House Democrats have expressed concern about the expansive tariff powers, fearing potential misuse against allied nations. Though no vote is scheduled this week, supporters are aiming to bring the measure to the floor before members depart to focus on their campaigns.

The House is also poised to address ethical issues, with a recommendation from the House Ethics Committee to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) for what the committee described as persistent unprofessional and inappropriate behavior toward two female staff members. Edwards disputes the committee’s findings, emphasizing that it did not find evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions and urging colleagues to differentiate between inappropriate conduct and behavior that qualifies as sexual harassment. The committee cited a pattern of recurrent lavish gifts, comments on the aides’ appearance, invitations to intimate dinners and vacations, affectionate notes, and other personal invitations as underpinning its recommendation. Edwards has since withdrawn from his reelection campaign following the report.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to prioritize the government funding bill early in the week to ensure a resolution before the current fiscal deadline, while other measures remain under consideration. Lawmakers from both parties appear motivated to avoid another government shutdown as voters head to the polls later this year.