Congress Returns for Final Joint Session Until November

Congress returns to Washington for a brief joint session before the House breaks until mid-November, with lawmakers expected to consider a Russia sanctions bill while the Senate remains in session longer. Current President Trump is preparing to campaign in North Carolina for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley as the midterm elections approach, and the Federal Reserve is expected to decide whether to raise interest rates despite his pressure. Political commentary surrounding the midterms has also focused on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, perceptions of violence on the left and debates over the Republican Party’s electoral strategy. Separately, an analysis argues that the Trump administration’s broad reduction in corporate enforcement has coincided with more discretionary pressure on news organizations, broadcasters and companies seeking federal regulatory approval, creating greater political risk for targeted firms.