In the 119th Congress, with midterm elections weeks away, trader focus centers on the lame-duck session after November, where must-pass measures such as replacing the current continuing resolution expiring December 11, the National Defense Authorization Act, surface transportation extensions, and select healthcare and farm program renewals shape outcomes. Recent bipartisan progress includes Senate agreement on September 30 for the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, which proposes major National Environmental Policy Act and permitting reforms with agency deadlines and judicial limits, though it requires 60 votes, manager amendments, House concurrence, and resolution of renewable energy issues. Narrower bills on tax administration, sanctions, and taxpayer protections have advanced or cleared recently, while broader proposals on electricity costs and other priorities stalled on procedural votes. The composition of the next Congress will influence negotiation leverage and the scope of any year-end package combining appropriations and authorizations.