Congress returns Tuesday from its month-long August recess facing a busy and contentious September, with the threat of a government shutdown at months end topping the agenda.

Government funding is set to expire Sept. 30, and Democrats are expected to play a pivotal role in avoiding a shutdown. Party leaders are under pressure from their base to push back against the Trump administration following a series of consequential policy decisions in recent months. With no clear resolution in sight, negotiations over funding are expected to dominate the month.

Other high-profile issues are also set to take center stage. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify before lawmakers Thursday, marking his first appearance since a wave of public health officials were fired o

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