House and Senate lawmakers are returning to Washington for a busy week before much of their attention shifts to the fast-approaching midterm elections. The Senate is expected to continue negotiations over a budget resolution and hold a procedural vote on a cryptocurrency regulation bill, while the House is reportedly preparing to consider a Russia sanctions bill that has passed the Senate. Uncertainty also surrounds Senator Mitch McConnell’s return after a five-week recess: he has not appeared in the chamber since June, when he fell at home, and a Washington Post report has added to concerns about his health and ability to resume his duties. Prediction-market activity shows moderately higher YES odds on a potential resignation before his term ends, reflecting increased speculation about a formal step down or extended absence. House Republican leaders shortened the chamber’s September schedule by two weeks before the midterm elections, and the House is expected to leave Washington again until mid-November. Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed are scheduled for Sunday television appearances, while President Trump is concluding his weekend trip to Ireland by attending the Irish Open at his golf club in Doonbeg before returning to Washington, D.C.