2026 Outlook: Lawmakers Face Government Funding, Health Care, and Affordability Challenges

Government Funding Deadline

• 🗓️ Lawmakers must address government funding by a January 30th deadline to prevent another shutdown.
• 🤝 The hope is for a constructive approach through the traditional appropriations process.

Affordability Initiatives

• 💡 Senate Democrats have launched a 2026 initiative focused on affordability, addressing rising costs.
• 💰 Key areas of focus include lowering costs for groceries, energy, and housing.

Health Care Costs

• ⚠️ Affordable Care Act subsidies expire January 1st, potentially increasing health care costs for millions.
• ❌ Efforts to extend these tax credits before the break were unsuccessful.

Bipartisan Collaboration Hopes

• 🏠 Housing affordability is identified as an area where bipartisan collaboration is expected.
• 🛣️ Other potential areas for bipartisan work include highway funding, a farm bill, and permitting reform.

Election Year Influence

• 🗳️ The upcoming midterm elections are anticipated to influence legislative decisions throughout the session.