Congress returns from recess as government shutdown deadline looms

As lawmakers finally return to the Capitol after a six-week break, perhaps the most critical legislative item looming is the deadline to fund the government -- and Republicans are set to face questions about what's next for Congress on the Jeffrey Epstein files. Here's a look at the key obstacles and priorities when both chambers return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Congress must act to fund the government before Oct. 1, or the government will shut down. Given the political reality that funding the government will require a heavy dose of bipartisan cooperation, top Democratic leaders -- Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries -- have demanded bipartisan talks with President Donald Trump and GOP leadership to plot a path forward on funding. So far, that request has not been granted, thoug