House returns for one week with a stopgap funding bill to avoid a shutdown during midterms

# What's happening this week

# The funding bill: where it stands The Senate has already passed the continuing resolution. The House vote this week is essentially the final step before the bill goes to the president for signature. The White House released a statement of administration policy supporting the stopgap, saying it would prevent "another dangerous shutdown that harms hard-working families and forces federal employees to go without pay," and calling another shutdown "futile."

Passing a short-term bill that runs into December removes the immediate risk of agencies closing or federal employees missing paychecks while candidates campaign ahead of the midterms.

# Why leaders want a stopgap now Stopping a shutdown before the midterm campaign season avoids the political fallout and operational disruption that follow funding gaps. Lawmakers on both sides have expressed interest in keeping the government open through the election period. Because the Senate already approved the measure, the House vote is presented as a final step rather than the start of a lengthy negotiation.

# Ethics and discipline on the floor Alongside funding, the House could take up a censure resolution for Representative Chuck Edwards, a North Carolina Republican. The House Ethics Committee recommended censure after finding he may have created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment, which would violate House rules. Edwards has already dropped his reelection bid and is lobbying colleagues against the censure.

The chamber has faced several ethics scandals this term. Two members have resigned over sexual misconduct allegations (Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales), and Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces federal fraud charges. The individuals cited in reporting have denied wrongdoing.

# Political dynamics heading into midterms Republican messaging on the campaign trail is focused on attacking Democratic opponents, sometimes using charged labels. But Republicans face structural and political challenges. Voters continue to be concerned about the cost of living, which makes it difficult to persuade voters that recent legislative changes—such as tip-tax rules and new tax-advantaged accounts for children—address immediate pocketbook issues.

# What to watch this week

• House vote on the December continuing resolution and the president's expected signature.
• Any floor action on the censure resolution for Rep. Edwards and how colleagues vote.