A Busy Congress
Congress returned to work on September 5. Lawmakers had been on a five-week summer recess. The House of Representatives and the Senate must address some major issues before the end of the year. They include aid for hurricane victims, funding for the government, and tax reform.
The House passed a $7.9 billion aid package. It will help people recover after Hurricane Harvey. But more money will be needed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was running low on disaster relief funds even before Hurricane Irma struck the U.S.
On September 6, President Donald Trump, a Republican, made a deal with Democrats in Congress. The deal will pay for running the government until December. Then lawmakers will have to work out another funding deal.
Republicans also aim to pass a tax plan. It would lower taxes on businesses and some individuals. “We want America to wake up on New Year’s Day 2018 with a new tax system,” Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said on September 7.