Congress Braces for Busy September
Lawmakers have four weeks to fund the government and the fight against Zika.
— -- After a long summer break, Congress is back in session for one final burst of activity before Election Day. Lawmakers have until the end of the month to pass Zika funding and stave off a government shutdown.
Here's a look at the busy month to come:
ZIKA FUNDING
The Senate will vote today to advance a $1.1 billion Zika funding proposal that stalled in the chamber two months ago. Democrats are expected to block the GOP-backed bill over provisions that would restrict contraceptive access, among other concerns. With Florida Republicans pushing party leaders to act quickly as the virus spreads in their state, Congress could tack Zika funding onto a must-pass resolution to fund the government.
AVOIDING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Congress hasn't passed the spending bills needed to keep the government running past September, so both chambers have to pass a resolution before the end of the month to keep the lights on. Democrats want a bill to fund the government through December, while House conservatives support a longer-term measure through early 2017.
CAN LAWMAKERS KEEP THEIR HEADS DOWN IN 2016?
Republicans are looking for a drama-free September -- but that's easier said than done with Donald Trump running for president. Since Congress was last in session, he's criticized a Gold Star family, waffled on immigration and berated another sitting Republican senator on Twitter.
But as Republicans could face questions about Trump's presidential campaign, Democrats will be pressured to respond to continued concerns about the Clinton Foundation and its future should Hillary Clinton win the election.
EPIPEN BACKLASH
Several congressional committees have ramped up investigations into drug company Mylan's controversial EpiPen price hike. The panels -- the Senate Aging, Judiciary and House Oversight Committees -- are expecting briefings from Mylan this week. If members aren't satisfied, they could drag Mylan CEO Heather Bresch to Capitol Hill for hearings by the end of the month.
CLINTON EMAILS
The FBI’s release of a summary of Clinton's interview has not stopped several Republican chairmen from continuing their own inquiries into her private server set-up and handling of classified information.
Some members returning to Washington will also be reviewing classified materials from the FBI's investigation shared with Congress for the first time.
CONSERVATIVES WANT VOTE TO IMPEACH IRS COMMISSIONER
House conservatives unsuccessfully tried to force an impeachment vote of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen earlier this summer, and they could renew the effort with Congress back in session this month.
The last administration official to be successfully impeached by the House was Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876.
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