Congress is entering what could be its final legislative week before lawmakers spend most of October on the campaign trail ahead of the November midterm elections. When lawmakers return, they will face a full agenda, including government funding that expires on December 11, a surge in interest in artificial intelligence legislation, a potential budget reconciliation package to pass major Trump Administration priorities, along with Argentum’s push for priorities like reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.
Congress has avoided an immediate government shutdown threat through a continuing resolution that funds the government through December 11. That means appropriators are already looking ahead to a year-end funding package, which could become the primary legislative vehicle for a range of healthcare, aging, tax, and housing priorities. The funding deadline is expected to become one of the most important legislative milestones remaining in 2026.
Republican leaders continue to discuss a potential third budget reconciliation package aimed at advancing additional Administration priorities, following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that included numerous tax provisions signed into law in July 2025 and the reconciliation act focused on immigration and national security enacted earlier this year. While timing and scope remain uncertain, top Republicans have signaled continued interest in pursuing reconciliation after the election, which may provide opportunities for workforce, tax, housing, or healthcare provisions.
One of the most closely watched items remains reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The Senate previously approved OAA reauthorization legislation unanimously, but House consideration has stalled amid the chamber’s abbreviated fall schedule. As a result, final enactment is increasingly likely to be deferred until the post-election lame duck session. The legislation includes a number of priorities supported by Argentum, including authorization of a future White House Conference on Aging and provisions promoting multigenerational engagement and healthy aging initiatives.
Take Action: Host a Congressional Tour
The coming weeks may offer more opportunities for direct engagement with lawmakers while they are back home in their districts. Congressional tours remain one of the most effective advocacy tools available to providers. These visits help build relationships, elevate industry priorities, and provide lawmakers with real-world perspectives they can bring back to Washington as Congress prepares to address major issues during the lame duck session.
Our Congressional Invitation Tool is designed to simplify outreach to federal lawmakers. By entering a community address, users can quickly identify the U.S. Senators and Representative who serve their community and access a prewritten invitation letter tailored for congressional outreach. This tool helps connect communities with the appropriate congressional offices and makes it easier than ever to invite lawmakers for an on-site visit. Members interested in hosting a congressional visit should also notify Argentum’s advocacy team, which can assist with planning, talking points, background materials, and follow-up engagement.