Recent reports indicate members of the House and Senate could recess as early as September 30 and return for a lame duck session of Congress beginning as early as November 15.

Since returning from a six week recess, Congress has moved to pass small business lending legislation (H.R. 5297) and is expected to move a stop-gap continuing funding resolution to ensure government programs operate past the end of fiscal year 2010, which concludes September 30.

With current political estimates indicating Democrats are poised to lose control of the House of Representatives to the GOP and experience significant losses in the Senate, leaders on both sides of the aisle appear anxious to resume campaign activities as soon as possible.

Upon returning in November, the House and Senate are initially scheduled to consider tax extension legislation, a new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia, food safety regulations, child nutrition reauthorization and finalize spending bills for fiscal year 2011.

For more information, contact MHI Vice President of Government Affairs Jason Boehlert at 703-558-0660 or jboehlert@mfghome.org.