WASHINGTON (AP) — A drained and divided Senate is joining the House in summer recess. But Congress is on course for an autumn of showdowns over Iran, spending and Planned Parenthood.
Senators left town Wednesday, a week after the House began a break that won’t end for either chamber until after Labor Day.
When they return, they’ll face a fall jam-packed with do-or-die deadlines. That will include a September abbreviated by the Jewish holidays to just 10 days when both chambers are simultaneously in session.
Pope Francis’ first-ever papal address to Congress is Sept. 24. His presence may be the only calming influence on lawmakers.
The Senate’s achievements Wednesday included approving the nominations of the next members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and anointing Sept. 25 as National Lobster Day.
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