This is not a popular opinion here, but I'll take the Bridge Act now even with the travel restriction. There's too much uncertainty next year.

To your question, Democrats will have similar leverage now or anytime before January 19 if the current Continuing Resolution passes, a little more info here.

Senator Flake and Senator Durbin have been working on a stand alone DREAM Act, and it may (don't know how) hit the floor next week and hopefully would pass with a veto proof majority. At this point, it's all up in the air, and no one knows what is going on or even what is likely going on.