With only days remaining before the country goes to the polls for the midterm elections much is at stake and it's unclear how the outcome will impact funding for infrastructure programs and the outlook for a variety of other construction concerns. The 2026 midterm elections on November 3 are a competition for control of Congress and what gets accomplished over the remaining two years of the Trump Administration. While the Republican party currently controls the Senate and House, the percentages are very closely divided. All 435 House seats are up for election with a 218-member count needed to hold the majority. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, with an additional independent member caucusing with the Republicans for 219 operational votes. Democrats hold 214 seats and there are 3 vacancies. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 (including two independents) advantage. There are 35 senate seats up in 2026 - including special elections in Florida and Ohio - of which 23 are held by Republicans.
Following the elections, Congress will return for a lame duck session to finalize as many outstanding issues as possible before the end of the 119th Congress. After Congress adjourns sine die by January 3, 2027, all legislation that was not passed and signed by the President expires and the new Congress will take up these issues anew in January. Election results will determine what issues will be addressed now or which will wait until the 120th Congress in January.
The most pressing issue that the lame duck Congress must address is funding to keep the government open. The government is currently operating under the terms of a Continuing Resolution (CR) which expires on December 11, 2026. That CR funds the government at current levels and provides temporary authorization for the highway program and some agriculture programs. However, Congress needs to take steps to extend funding and authorization beyond December 11. It is possible that the Congress will take up several of the appropriations bills that have made some progress and bundle them up in a bill for floor action. Those that don't pass in this fashion will be part of a new CR or an omnibus appropriations act.