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As Congress returns from August recess, lawmakers face a packed and high-stakes agenda. With fiscal deadlines looming, the fall legislative session promises both urgency and uncertainty. From appropriations battles and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to potential movement on budget reconciliation, the surface transportation reauthorization bill and much more, the coming weeks will shape the remainder of 2026 — and set the tone for 2027.

PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT: Percentage of recorded votes cast in 2025 on which President Donald Trump took a position and on which the senator voted “yea” or “nay” in agreement with the president’s position. Failure to vote does not lower a member's score. PRESIDENTIAL OPPOSITION: Percentage of recorded votes cast in 2025 on which President Donald Trump took a position and on which the senator voted “yea” or “nay” in opposition with the president’s position.

PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT: Percentage of recorded votes cast in 2024 on which President Joe Biden took a position and on which the member voted “yea” or “nay” in agreement with the president’s position. Failure to vote does not lower a member's score. PARTY UNITY: Percentage of recorded party unity votes in 2024 on which a member voted "yea" or "nay" in agreement with a majority of their party.

Primary elections are a critical test for both parties in 2026, as voters across the country choose nominees for governor, Congress, state legislatures and key local offices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. As these elections wind to a close, join CQ Roll Call’s campaigns team for a deep dive into what lessons the primaries might teach us about what voters are thinking as November approaches.

The administration’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request for fiscal 2027 lands at a moment of unusual strategic uncertainty. Active conflict with Iran. Open questions about the future of US commitments to NATO and European allies. And a Congress that will have to decide how much of this request actually becomes law, and what it should be used for.

If your organization has active legislative priorities this cycle, the 2026 congressional map has direct implications for your strategy. Primaries are underway. Redistricting has redrawn the playing field in several states. And Republicans are defending narrow majorities in both chambers. What does that mean for the issues you’re tracking, the relationships you’ve built, and the legislative windows you’re counting on?

Peter Cohn Managing Editor, Policy and Legislation Peter Cohn has covered Washington policy fights in and out of journalism for the past 25 years, starting as a reporter at CQ Roll Call at the end of the Clinton administration, covering transportation, financial services, and telecommunications policy. Pete later covered federal budget, appropriations, tax, and trade policy for National Journal before a detour into investment research and consulting.

Looking for a breakdown of the federal budget timeline? This graphic provides at-a-glance insights into what to expect throughout the year. While this infographic lays out the official timeline, although the process rarely stays on schedule. Delays are caused by numerous factors, including polarized politics, the economic climate, world events, and changes in presidential or Congressional power.

Challenge yourself with our 2024 federal government quiz and see how well you’ve kept up with this year’s dynamic federal landscape. From groundbreaking legislation to game-changing policy decisions that dominated the headlines, this quiz is your chance to review the pivotal moments on the Hill this year. Whether you’re a seasoned political aficionado or just curious about the inner workings of our government, this quiz keeps you entertained and informed.

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