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Despite several issues still on agenda, Congress goes on break
Updated 7/30/2006 10:46 PM ET
Congress is taking a month off for summer recess, leaving behind a lot of unfinished business. Here are some of the issues that are pending and some legislation that has been completed:
UNFINISHED:

Immigration: A split in the Republican Party has stalled the legislation. The House bill emphasizes border security, toughens penalties on business and makes illegal immigration a felony. The Senate measure includes an expanded "guest worker" program and a path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, both sought by President Bush. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist have not named negotiators to resolve the differences in the two bills.

Pensions: The House passed a bill designed to stop corporations from underfunding employee retirement plans, but its fate in the Senate is uncertain. The House measure would strengthen plans that cover 44 million people. The legislation is urgent for workers at Delta, Northwest and other airlines that have threatened to terminate pension plans.

Government spending: The House has approved all but one of the 11 spending bills required to fund federal agencies for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The Senate has approved only one: Homeland Security. It might approve appropriations for the Pentagon and military construction before leaving for the August recess later this week.

Minimum wage: The House passed a bill that would increase the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour from $5.15, to be phased in over three years. It is tied to a permanent decrease in taxes on inherited wealth. Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Democrats, says they will defeat the attempt to combine the two issues. Democrats support only a minimum-wage increase.

Lobbying: The House and Senate have approved bills requiring more disclosure of lobbyists' activities but have been unable to resolve differences in the measures. A sticking point: whether to limit the fundraising of "527" groups such as the liberal MoveOn.org and the conservative Club for Growth. The House bill includes the fundraising limits; the Senate measure does not. One option is to amend congressional rules instead of enacting changes into law.

Identity theft: Passing a measure to prevent identity theft is a priority in the House and Senate, but the legislation is stalled by turf disputes among three House committees that have passed competing bills.

Energy: As gasoline prices exceed $3 a gallon in many parts of the country, Republicans and Democrats agree that energy legislation is a must. They disagree, however, on what should be done. House Republicans, led by Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, favor measures to boost domestic drilling. Democrats, including House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Rep. Stephanie Herseth of South Dakota, want to increase conservation and alternative-fuel production. Still in limbo: drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and expanding energy exploration off the nation's coasts.

Asbestos: Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., is attempting to end a spate of lawsuits by creating a $140 billion trust fund to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. He's being blocked by a coalition of fiscal conservatives who think it will cost too much and by Democrats, such as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who fear it will shortchange victims.

SIGNED INTO LAW:

Voting Rights Act: The landmark 1965 civil rights legislation designed to protect minority voters was extended for 25 years.

USA Patriot Act: Provisions of the 2001 anti-terrorism legislation were renewed after some changes were made to protect civil liberties.

Mine safety: After a spate of coal-mining accidents this year, Congress approved a bill requiring mine owners to install better emergency breathing and communications equipment. The law also increases penalties for safety violations. There were 36 coal-mining deaths through July 20.

Funding for wars and hurricane relief: Congress provided $66 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and $19.8 billion for communities damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Decency in broadcasting: Penalties for broadcasting obscene language were increased.

Tax relief: Reductions in capital-gains and interest tax rates were extended through 2010.

Sources: U.S. Congress and wire reports. Reported by Kathy Kiely, USA TODAY.