Government shutdown looms as Congress returns after monthlong August recess

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, KEVIN FREKING and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

As Congress returns to Washington this fall after a monthlong August recess, it will have to find a way to work with Democrats or around them as a government shutdown looms. The annual spending battle will dominate the September agenda, along with conversations among Senate Republicans about changing the chamber’s rules to thwart Democratic stalling tactics on President Donald Trump’s nominations. The Senate is also debating whether to move forward on legislation that would slap steep tariffs on some of Russia’s trading partners as the U.S. presses Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine.

Congressional Republicans scored a massive victory this summer when they passed President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cu