Returning Congress faces big tasks, likely to do little

One of the most unpopular and unproductive Congresses in modern history returns on Monday from a five-week recess, facing a crush of big tasks, few of which will likely get done.
Lawmakers are expected to be in Washington for only about two weeks between now and the November 6 election, making their return to the capital little more than a pit stop.
"Everyone wants to get out of town -- fast," said a top Senate aide, voicing the sentiment on both sides of the political aisle.
Quickie sessions are the rule rather than the exception in election years, and lawmakers may be around just long enough to approve a must-pass spending bill to keep the government running before racing home to campaign for their seats.
This year they do will so as voters seem more frustrated than ever with their partisan gridlock.
Unfinished business on Capitol Hill includes bills to overhaul the massive farm law, improve cyber security for the nation's critical infrastructure, downsize the ailing postal service, and normalize trade with Russia.
The most urgent item -- making sure Congress does not trigger a recession early next year -- is by all accounts on hold until after the election, when lawmakers will attempt to head off trouble of their own making: tax increases and automatic spending cuts that threaten to send the United States over what's been called "a fiscal cliff."

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/09/us-usa-congress-return-idUSBRE88807K20120909