The Scouting Report: Congress at the August Recess

In an unusually busy session, Congress tackled an economic recovery package, the federal budget and expansions in children’s health care. But as Members break for the August recess, some of the most important business, including climate change and health care reform, remains unfinished. Senior Fellow Thomas Mann—a noted congressional scholar—is assessing the achievements to date and the unresolved issues ahead. But will partisan gridlock, Democratic infighting and big price tags stop legislation to revamp the health care system and reduce greenhouse gases?

On Wednesday, August 19, Thomas Mann and Politico Senior Editor Fred Barbash took questions in a discussion about the congressional agenda.