In Congress, deadlines spur action, and lawmakers will face a string of them throughout 2026.
They begin in January with key dates for health care and government spending, followed by decision points for federal spy powers, and agriculture and nutrition programs.
Each deadline creates moments of leverage, and they’ll all play out against the backdrop of November’s midterm elections. Here’s what to watch:
Early January — ACA Subsidies: Some lawmakers still hope to find a long-shot solution to revive the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired at the end of December. While people who purchase insurance through the ...