Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


COVID-19 Shortens Time for Lawmakers' Agenda

Katherine Gypson

   CAPITOL HILL - The U.S. Senate returns to session Monday, more than
   five weeks after the coronavirus pandemic ended formal work on Capitol
   Hill.

   While the U.S. House of Representatives delayed a return for at least
   one more week, leadership is examining ways to catch up either remotely
   or in person on the legislative branch's essential oversight and
   spending powers.

   House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has already warned members to keep
   their schedules open to accommodate longer work weeks to make up for
   the time out of session.

   Traditionally, Congress recesses in August and keeps a light schedule
   in the fall of election years to allow House members to campaign for
   reelection in their home districts. A third of the senators are also up
   for reelection this year and will need time to campaign.

   The Senate has 15 weeks left in session, while the House has 13 weeks
   scheduled before Election Day on Nov. 3. Here are some of the key items
   on the congressional to-do list:

.