congress returns

Congress returns to Washington, D.C., this week, and, among its chores, it must deal quickly with transportation legislation.

Without at least an extension, both the gas tax and highway construction could come to a halt.

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Congress returns Monday to take up what looks like a year's worth of unfinished business: unemployment benefits, gays in the military, expiring tax cuts and funding to keep the government running.

Out of the gate, the Senate will vote on banning earmarks and making a fix to the health care bill. NPR's David Welna tells all to host Liane Hansen.

The 348-79 vote Wednesday sends the measure to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. Senate supporters hope to get a vote on a similar proposal after Congress returns following the November congressional elections.

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Congress gets back Monday from a five-week recess for what will be its last legislative session before the midterm elections.

The sputtering economy will clearly be the focus, but electoral politics are likely to overshadow whatever the Democrats in charge try to get done.

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Congress returns to face a heavy summer load. Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota is sworn in as the 100th senator.

Then lawmakers get down to the business of health care, energy policy and a Supreme Court nomination. NPR's David Welna talks it all over with Host Liane Hansen.

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Congress returns to Washington next week with health care on its mind. President Obama and the Democrats agree with Republicans that legislation overhauling health care should be bipartisan.

And there may be no stronger advocate for bipartisanship on health care than Senator Chuck Grassley, the top Republican on the Finance Committee.