Congress Set for Combative Pre-Election Push

CONGRESS SET FOR COMBATIVE PRE-ELECTION PUSH
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Thomas Ferraro]
U.S. lawmakers return to work today from a month-long recess with time running out for Republicans to pass legislation and impress unhappy voters as they try to retain control of Congress in November 7 elections. Both parties are expected to jockey for political advantage in the coming weeks, particularly over the increasingly unpopular Iraq war and the battle against terrorism. Congress is expected to pass little more than big spending bills for the departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Deadlocks appear certain to remain on legislation such as raising the federal minimum wage, revamping U.S. immigration laws and reducing inheritance taxes. Congress is set to recess on October 6. But with Republicans so concerned about losing power, they may break a week early to give them more time to go home to campaign.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2006-09-04T170548Z_01_N045159_RTRUKOC_0_US-CONGRESS.xml

* Congress's Fall Agenda Takes Shape
The House has scheduled 11 full days of legislative work this month after Thursday's vote to curb the slaughter of U.S. horses -- a bill that has prompted dark jokes among Republicans about what awaits lawmakers if they don't get back on the campaign trail. To a remarkable degree, the leadership is prepared to risk the label of a "Do-Nothing Congress" if it means getting rank-and-file members on the hustings.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115741016450653170.html?mod=todays_us_page_one
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