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 big beautiful bill of 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,"

"The most urgent task for Congress is to avoid a government shutdown on Sept. 30, when federal funding runs out. And it's so far unclear if Republicans and Democrats will be able to agree on how to do that. Congress will have to pass a short-term spending measure to keep the government funded for a few weeks or months while they try to finish the full-year package. But Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass an extension, and Democrats will want significant concessions."

Congress returns from August recess facing a looming government shutdown on Sept. 30 unless lawmakers pass a short-term funding measure. Republicans and Democrats disagree on how to extend funding, and Republicans will need Democratic votes while Democrats seek concessions. Senate Republicans may attempt rule changes to limit Democratic stalling on nominations. The Senate is also considering legislation to impose steep tariffs on some of Russia's trading partners amid pressure over Ukraine. House Republicans will continue probes of former President Joe Biden while Speaker Mike Johnson contends with intraconference splits over releasing more Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Negotiations are complicated by efforts to rescind previously approved spending.

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