Government shutdown looms as Congress returns after monthlong August recess

"Congressional Republicans scored a massive victory this summer when they passed President Donald Trump's tax and spending cuts without a single Democratic vote. But as they return to Washington this fall after a monthlong August recess, they will have to find a way to work with Democrats - or around them - as a government shutdown looms. The annual spending battle will dominate the September agenda, along with a possible effort by Senate Republicans to change their chamber's rules to thwart Democratic stalling tactics on nominations."

"The Senate is also debating whether to move forward on legislation that would slap steep tariffs on some of Russia's trading partners as the U.S. presses Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. In the House, Republicans will continue their investigations of former President Joe Biden while Speaker Mike Johnson navigates a split in his conference over whether the Trump administration should release more files in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation."

Congress faces a potential government shutdown on Sept. 30 when federal funding expires. Lawmakers must pass a short-term continuing resolution to extend funding while negotiating a full-year spending package. Republicans will need Democratic votes for an extension, and Democrats will seek significant concessions. Senate Republicans may pursue rule changes to limit Democratic stalling on nominations and are debating tariffs targeting some of Russia's trading partners. The House will continue investigations of former President Joe Biden and confront internal divisions over releasing additional Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Administration efforts to reclaim previously approved spending could complicate negotiations.

Read at Boston.com