WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress is returning to Washington this week for a lame-duck session to try and clean up a lengthy roster of unfinished business. Jubilant Republicans, meanwhile, are preparing to take over the Senate for the first time in eight years, come January.
The agenda includes funding the government into the new year, renewing expiring tax breaks for individuals and businesses, the annual defense policy measure and a roster of President Barack Obama’s nominations.
Also pending are Obama’s requests for money to combat Islamic State militants, battle Ebola and deal with the influx of unaccompanied Central American children who have crossed into the U.S. Democrats relinquishing the Senate have outlined an ambitious agenda, while House GOP aides say the agenda for the Republican-controlled chamber is more fluid pending discussions.