August recess is scheduled to begin tomorrow so lawmakers this week have been scrambling to put some bills to the president's desk before they leave town. Jeremy Hobson looks at what's on the agenda.

Demand for skilled workers is already outpacing supply in the rapidly expanding eco-friendly sector of the economy. Enter legislation that could help fill the gap — and provide pathways out of poverty for thousands of workers. Sam Eaton has details.

Alaska's congressional delegation takes a back seat to no one when it comes to bringing home the bacon. The latest allegations implicate Republican Senator Ted Stevens. Steve Henn has details.

Congress is racing full-speed ahead towards tougher fuel economy standards by 2020 or sooner, but the auto industry is lobbying hard to put the breaks on. Jeremy Hobson has more.

The president says he will veto "wasteful" spending plans proposed by Democrats. But the majority party has a lot to gain and President Bush a lot to lose in a government shutdown. Steve Henn reports.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson told the House today that the farm bill it's debating would damage relations with U.S. trading partners. John Dimsdale reports.

With the House considering a multibillion-dollar farm bill this week, we sought out the view from the tractor. Kai Ryssdal talks with Georgia farmer Stephen Houston.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson believes the tax burden on businesses is driving some companies away. Critics say closing tax code loopholes benefitting well-connected industries is a better move. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Google has proposed a billion-dollar bid to keep airwaves open to smaller telecoms and innovators. But established telecom carriers say it's nothing but a government handout of valuable spectrum. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Congress will consider whether the FDA should have more regulatory power over cigarette makers. But at least one former FDA official says the agency is simply too swamped to take on more responsibilities. Jeff Tyler reports.