Congress Goes Back To Work; Budget, Iran Deal and Planned Parenthood On Agenda
Congress returns to Washington with nuclear deal, possible shutdown looming
by Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — Returning after a lengthy summer break, lawmakers are set to wage partisan battles this month over Planned Parenthood and the proposed nuclear deal with Iran, with a break to host the Pope.
“We’re going to have a very busy fall,” said Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa.
Busy and contentious.
With just three weeks until the new fiscal year begins, Congress has not approved spending bills for the military, homeland security and every other department that requires annual appropriations.
Lawmakers won’t get those bills done before the Sept. 30 deadline, meaning some kind of temporary funding measure will be necessary.
And that could lead to a showdown over funding for Planned Parenthood — and possibly a government shutdown.