Congress returns for a lame-duck session with a major decision to make on fiscal 2025 spending: whether to pass an omnibus package by Christmas or punt spending bills into the new year. CQ Roll Call’s Aidan Quigley, Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman assess the political ramifications of the choice, the crowded lame-duck agenda, and the challenge for Republicans in their quest for tax cuts next year.

Show notes:

• Disaster aid bill seen more likely than omnibus spending package post-election
• Campaign-trail tax proposals face difficult road to passage
• Spending panel shake-up likely in Senate post-elections
• Elections poised to scramble House Appropriations lineup