House lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday after five weeks in their home districts, facing a short to-do list dominated by a vote on a stopgap spending bill.

The measure aims to keep the federal government fully funded through early December and avert any risk of a shutdown. Lawmakers are expected to act quickly on the legislation as the first order of business.

The brief session follows the traditional August recess, during which members met with constituents and handled district matters. With limited time before the next funding deadline, the focus remains narrow.

Details of the continuing resolution have not been finalized publicly, but the goal is to provide temporary funding while longer-term appropriations work continues. This approach allows Congress to address other priorities later in the year.

Observers note that such stopgap measures have become common in recent years to prevent disruptions in federal operations. The House action sets the stage for Senate consideration in the coming days.