Congress' task: Act fast on spending, return home

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress returns to work Monday with a basic task — act fast to keep the government open and then race home to campaign.

Lawmakers face a shortened September session with a tight must-do list.

That list includes passing a temporary spending bill to fund federal departments and agencies through mid-December, and extending the freeze on taxing access to the Internet.

Votes also are set on largely futile measures designed to pack a political punch eight weeks before an election that will determine control of Congress.

Wasting no time, the House is scheduled to vote Thursday on the spending bill.

Several lawmakers have clamored for giving President Barack Obama new authority to use force against Islamic State militants.

But there's little consensus in Congress on any legislation or if it's necessary.