Congress returns this evening. While the election results have likely constricted the agenda for the remainder of 2016, Congress still has a number of things to complete before concluding the 114th Congress. An updated menu is provided as well as a calendar of key dates for the transition.Must Pass (or likely to get done):

• FY17 Appropriations
• National Defense Authorization Act
• Renewal of Iran Sanctions Act

Possibilities: Everything on this list is less likely, unless it involves easy bipartisan compromise and a deadline.

• Water Resources Development Act (that addresses Flint, MI water issues)
• 21st Century Cures (or portions)
• Immigration Related Extensions: (likely to be reauthorized or extended)
• EB-5 program (investor visas)
• Conrad 30 (waiver for rural doctors)
• R visa (religious workers)
• E-verify
• Amendments to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act
• Pension fix for coal miners
• Miscellaneous noncontroversial tax and retirement bills passed by Finance and W&M
• Tax extenders (There are over 30 provisions that expire on 12/31/16)
• Intelligence Authorization
• Energy bill (in conference)
• Medicare Package
• Legislative fix for CMMI Part B demo
• Miscellaneous low cost, non-controversial member priorities
• Criminal justice reform
• Craft Beverage Modernization Act
• Mental health bill
• Marketplace Fairness Act/Remote Transactions Parity Act
• Merrick Garland nomination (unlikely)
• TPP (unlikely)

CalendarNovember 14 House and Senate Return; House Freshman Orientation beginsNovember 15 House GOP Leadership ElectionsNovember 16 Senate Leadership Elections (both D and R)November 28 Senate returns from ThanksgivingNovember 29 House returnsNovember 30 House Democratic Leadership ElectionsDecember 9 Continuing Resolution ExpiresDecember 16 Target Sine Die AdjournmentJanuary 3 115th Congress Swearing-in DayJanuary 20 Inauguration Day