Congress returns to Washington with a long to-do list

WASHINGTON—Lawmakers began returning to the nation’s capital Tuesday with a long to-do list and little time to complete it. After a month-long break, Republicans are seeking to salvage 2017 after a disappointing legislative start. Up first, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., plans to hold a vote on emergency relief for Hurricane Harvey victims. On Friday, President Donald Trump requested close to $8 billion in aid. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to pass a disaster relief bill, but some conservatives are afraid of how Ryan might try to accomplish that goal. He could combine relief money with a bill to raise the debt limit or another controversial piece of must-pass legislation. Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and the White House all agree tax reform is the top priority going forward, but they must navigate other obstacles to get there. The federal government runs out of money at the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Lawmakers will need to coalesce around a bipartisan spending package to set next year’s budget levels or approve a short-term, stopgap bill to buy more time. With only a few weeks to go, Congress likely will choose the latter. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin wants Congress to approve a debt-limit increase to avoid the nation’s first default.