Congress returns: 5 things on lawmakers' to-do list ahead of the midterm elections

Averting a government shutdown tops the list of priorities for Congress when it returns after a month-long August recess for a final push to the midterm elections.

WASHINGTON — Averting a government shutdown tops the list of priorities for Congress when it returns after a monthlong August recess for a final push to the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

The Senate returned Tuesday. The House is back next week. If Democratic leaders have their way, Congress will break for most — if not all — of October to let lawmakers go home and campaign ahead of a high-stakes election that will decide which party controls Congress for the next two years.

But first, they need to resolve a number of issues.

“We have several high-priority items that demand our immediate attention," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday as he reconvened the chamber, emphasizing the need to keep the government open and confirm more judges.

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https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-returns-5-things-lawmakers-list-ahead-midterm-elections-rcna46523

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