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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.
Members of Congress are back on Capitol Hill this week after a busy summer recess.
Lawmakers are returning to a full plate after hearing from constituents about the economy and other hot-button issues during town hall meetings last month.
NPR's Claudia Grisales reports Congress is also racing to keep the government operating,
with a funding deadline looming at the end of the month.
The hardest job on tap for lawmakers may be averting a government shutdown tied to a September 30th deadline.
Both parties are deeply divided and it's unclear if they can reach a deal.
Republicans are also facing mounting pressure to address a strained economy,
such as pushing back on President Trump's tariffs, which are now under legal challenge.
Voters loudly complained to lawmakers about rising costs putting a squeeze on U.S. families and Trump's efforts to expand his executive powers.
Many pushed back on President Trump's signature bill Congress passed this summer,
expressing concern about cuts to Medicaid and other government spending.
Claudia Grisales, NPR News.
President Trump is turning up the pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza