House Republicans returning from August recess face a funding vote and a dispute over a one-month delay to the federal prohibition on most hemp-derived THC products. The Senate passed its continuing-resolution version by 90-6, extending government funding through Dec. 11, while the House previously approved funding through Dec. 4. The Senate rejected Sen. Ted Budd's amendment to preserve the original hemp ban by a 61-32 vote, including support from 21 Republicans and 11 Democrats. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, who helped establish the ban with Sen. Mitch McConnell, opposes the delay but has not explicitly said he will vote against the funding bill. Republicans also face roughly three weeks of legislative work before another October recess and the approaching midterm elections, including competing reconciliation proposals, defense funding, tariff rebates, election legislation and other unfinished measures. Economic growth slowed to 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026 from 2.1% in the first quarter, while annual PCE inflation reached 3.7%, above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.