As lawmakers return from recess, Congress battling possible government shutdown

WASHINGTON —

Congress returns Monday from a monthlong recess with the urgent task of approving spending bills to prevent a government shutdown by Sept. 30 .

There are several paths Congress can take. The House and Senate can approve a dozen annual spending bills to fund the government for the next fiscal year.

So far, the House has approved two out of 12 , including one for military spending, while the Senate approved three before the August recess.

More than likely, Congress will pass a continuing resolution, commonly referred to as a "CR," which would temporarily extend federal government funding.

"The government has to be funded, and that's the really big thing," said Todd Belt , a political analyst. "There's going to be some other things in response to what Donald Trump is