WASHINGTON -- They're back, but not for long. Congress returns this afternoon from a five-week summer recess hoping to polish off some business and get back to politicking, since there is an election on. Here are five key questions awaiting your elected leaders.
1. Will there be any spending drama? Government funding runs out at the end of the month, and leaders in both chambers expect to introduce a "continuing resolution" to extend the current spending levels into December. Unlike a year ago, there has not been all that much clamoring for a showdown that could lead to a government shutdown. President Barack Obama might have secured a drama-free September over the weekend by delaying a promised executive action on immigration. It would have been an easy target for conservative Republicans to "defund or bust," like Obamacare a year ago.
2. What will happen with ISIS? Obama will meet with Congressional leaders Tuesday and speak to the nation Wednesday about the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. On "Meet the Press" on Sunday he said he wanted "buy-in" from Congress, but not a new war authorization. That could mean more money or a vote of confidence on an Obama strategy -- or both. Secretary of State John Kerry will testify on Capitol Hill on Sept. 16 about the administration's strategy, an opportunity for debate and theater.
3. Will police militarization rise to the fore? August unrest came in the Middle East and the American heartland of Ferguson, Mo. The police response there stoked talk of reining in the Pentagon's program providing military surplus to local police, and Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, is leading a bipartisan effort to tackle the issue. There will be hearings this month, but it's hard to imagine any votes until the new year.
4. What will happen with the Export-Import bank? The charter for the government agency that helps American businesses sell products overseas expires at the end of the month, and it has been attacked from the left and right as a giveaway to big business. House Republicans have sought a way to reform the bank -- as many tea party types want to kill it outright. The business lobby wants to keep it in place, though Atlanta's Delta Air Lines has emerged as a critic. Congress could also do the usual and punt.
5. Will they skip town early? Both chambers are eager to recess for the election as soon as possible. The deadlines on appropriations and the Export-Import bank are Sept. 30, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants to adjourn the Senate by Sept. 23. The House is scheduled to be in until Oct. 2, but that is subject to revision. Have we mentioned there's an election this year?
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