When Congress returns, expect the worst

[Commentary] As Congress reconvenes next week after its August recess, the floor speeches and votes of the senators and House members will have more to do with the upcoming congressional elections than they do simply with the substance of public policy.

The ferocity of the debate will reflect the stakes involved — which is control of Congress after the November elections. On some issues there might be token bipartisan cooperation. A tax bill that benefits small business is likely to pass the Senate with some GOP support because no group stands taller in the eyes of both parties than small businesses, revered as the indispensable job creators. Aside from these tiny truces in this polarized political world, though, lawmakers know too well that trading with the enemy — except for small trinkets — will attract fire, not praise. Americans, brace yourselves. For the political fireworks and rhetoric that have been exploding at rallies and fundraisers across the country will shift seamlessly into the House and Senate chambers in the days ahead. [Ross K. Baker is a political science professor at Rutgers University]