Both the House and Senate are expected to return to Washington next Tuesday, September 8. However, both chambers will be conducting "pro forma" meetings this week.
There have been no further developments on the next coronavirus relief package, but it can be expected that this will be first on the docket when Congress returns to session next week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has indicated her willingness to consider reducing the size of the proposed relief package in response to the skinny package released by Senate Republicans.
When it returns next week, Congress is also expected to take up the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills or a Continuing Resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown as the end of the current fiscal year nears on September 30. The House marked up and passed 11 of the 12 spending bills; however, the Senate has not moved any of its bills through the Committee process. It seems likely that Congress will pass a CR before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, and then address all 12 appropriations bills after passage of the next coronavirus relief bill.
