Congress comes back to Washington this week with two thorny issues to resolve before the end of the year.
Lawmakers need to pass a spending bill by Dec. 11 to prevent a government shutdown. Meanwhile, they will have to decide whether to approve another coronavirus relief bill as rampant infections stress hospitals and trip up the U.S. economic recovery.
The challenges will test a divided Capitol’s capacity to govern after months of gridlock fueled in part by a contentious 2020 election. Congress’ ability to pass legislation this month will shape the federal government and private sector’s power to reduce the damage caused by the pandemic in the coming months.
