WASHINGTON (NBC) -- Congress is back in session, and back to what it's been doing for years: Getting almost nothing done.
Lawmakers in the and the Senate are back after a month-long break with a pile of urgent business, but they're focused first on the election.
Democrats want a new vote on the Paul Ryan budget, to drive home to voters that he would change Medicare.
Republicans want to a vote to phase out solar and wind power subsidies, to drive home to voters that President Obama lost a half billion on Solyndra.
An even bigger issue is the impasse over hiking taxes on the rich that if not settled could raise everyone's rates on January 1st and trigger huge defense and social service cuts.
It's not expected to be taken up until after the election.
The Farm Bill to help with the drought is partially postponed as well because Republicans are pushing for a cut in food stamps.
Each side blames the other.
Observers say a short term spending bill to keep things running is one of the few things that has any chance of passing anytime soon.
NBC