Congress’ Plate Is Full After Recess

Punchbowl News: “Lawmakers return to Washington on Tuesday amid a deeply unsettled national political and economic landscape. President Donald Trump is at the center of a dozen controversies roiling the country, as he always seems to be. Congress has been on recess for the last month-plus, with members and senators back home and traveling around the world during August.”

“The federal government shuts down on Oct. 1, barring a bipartisan funding deal – even a short-term one – as the White House unilaterally slashes billions of dollars of previously approved spending.”

“Democrats are infuriated. They were skeptical about negotiating a funding deal with Republicans after Trump and GOP leaders jammed through a $9 billion rescissions package in mid-July. Now, Trump is slashing billions of dollars in funding without Congress via legally questionable ‘pocket rescissions.’”

Playbook: “Congress returns tomorrow from August recess, and there are numerous storms brewing. Top of the list is the imminent threat of a government shutdown, with a funding cliff edge looming at the end of September. The GOP does not have a plan to avoid a shutdown on Oct. 1. Dem leaders in the House and Senate are demanding bipartisan talks ASAP.”