Congress returns Sept. 14 to tackle a daunting list of priorities and a shrinking calendar, with a first-of-its kind crypto regulatory framework up next in the Senate and the midterms looming over the lame-duck session.

Both chambers cleared a fiscal 2027 stopgap to keep the government running through Dec. 11, setting up another spending showdown at the end of the year. The House, which shortened its fall calendar by two weeks, has passed just three of 12 full-year appropriations bills, while the Senate has advanced none.

Republicans are also racing the clock to move on President Donald Trump’s request to …