As Congress returns this week after an extended, seven-week summer recess, lawmakers are expected to vote on appropriations and Zika funding measures.
So far, it is unclear how spending measures will be completed this month. However, to keep the federal government open beyond Sept. 30 — when the fiscal year ends — Congress seems most likely to pass a continuing resolution that would keep the government funded for a few months to, at a minimum, get past the election.
Congress also is expected to pass funding to combat the Zika virus, which spread in Florida while lawmakers were away.
It also is unclear how long Congress will be in session. It is possible that the September session — which is scheduled through the end of the month — will last only a couple of weeks, allowing legislators to head back to campaign trails.
In committee business, the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing today focused on quality outcomes in Medicare Part A. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold two hearings this week: A hearing on Thursday will review five public health bills and a hearing on Friday will focus on mental health.