The House of Representatives is poised to resume its duties on Wednesday, ending a seven-week break that has only intensified the myriad challenges facing Speaker Mike Johnson. After a record government shutdown, Johnson's agenda is crowded with pressing issues, from unresolved legislative business to internal party conflicts.

The shutdown's end is imminent, with Johnson expressing confidence in passing a Senate-negotiated funding package, heavily backed by President Donald Trump. This move may settle some disputes within the House GOP, particularly with the traditionally spending-averse hard-liners and the House Freedom Caucus signaling their support, viewing the package as a strategic victory.

However, logistical challenges loom large as members face significant travel disruptions caused by FAA-imposed flight limits, complicating their return to Washington for the crucial vote.

Beyond reopening the government, Johnson must address several contentious topics. The immediate task includes the swearing-in of Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, which could trigger a chain of legislative actions over the release of the "Epstein files" — sensitive documents that have caused rifts within the GOP and resisted by the Trump administration.

Further stirring the pot, bipartisan pressure mounts on Johnson to proceed with a controversial bill banning lawmakers from trading individual stocks. Additionally, House appropriators are under the gun to draft full-year spending bills before the new January 30 deadline, while other committees scramble to catch up on weeks of deferred hearings and markups.

One of the thorniest issues awaiting Johnson concerns the expiring Obamacare subsidies. With a faction of Republicans adamantly opposed and a few considering a discharge petition to force a vote, Johnson faces a delicate balancing act. He has yet to commit to any vote on extending the subsidies, promising only a "deliberative process."

Across the aisle, House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are strategizing their next moves. Despite the expected passage of the funding package, many Democrats are dissatisfied, particularly with the Senate's handling of the situation. Jeffries is rallying his caucus around extending the health care subsidies and exploring all legislative avenues, including potentially another discharge petition.

As lawmakers trickle back to the capital, the House stands at a critical juncture, with its leadership tested by both external pressures and internal divisions. The coming days will not only determine the immediate legislative direction but could also reshape longstanding political dynamics within the House.