Lawmakers will return to Washington, D.C., this week after their August recess with a long to-do list.

Republicans' passage of President Donald Trump 's "one big, beautiful bill," which he signed into law on Independence Day, started their summer. However, their fall is poised to be defined by the prospect of a government shutdown.

Here is what the Washington Examiner is watching this week regarding Congress :

Government shutdown talks

The federal government could shut down on Oct. 1 if Congress does not pass funding legislation by the end of September.

The White House has dismissed concerns that Trump's decision last week to unilaterally rescind almost $5 billion in foreign aid will discourage Democrats from negotiating with Republicans regarding a bipartisan spending deal. To

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