A closer look at next week…

The House and Senate return next week facing the old question of how to reach a FY 2011 budget deal, but also the new question of how to assess sudden U.S. military involvement in Libya.

On Thursday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will try to gain clarity on Libya by quizzing Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg (not Secretary Hillary Clinton, as Republicans were hoping).

But lingering budget questions are expected to permeate the week, as the House and Senate have just two weeks to reach a final deal or be forced again into another short-term extension.

At the same time, Republicans and Democrats are expected to feud over how best to address the unemployment situation. On Wednesday, the House Ways & Means Committee will hold a hearing to examine regulatory burdens to job creation, which is built on the premise that regulations are the main barrier to employment gains.

Democrats reject this premise, as seen by comments over the recess from Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), who is preparing to introduce a bill that would offer grants to small businesses.

Below is a closer look at the week ahead:

Monday

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m., and is expected to begin consideration of S. 493, a bill to reauthorize Small Business Administration programs. The House is out of session.

Tuesday

The House returns and will take up H.R. 1079, a bill that would temporarily authorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spending through May 31. A vote on this bill is expected under a suspension of House rules starting at 6:30 p.m.

The House also takes up H.R. 839, which would terminate the Treasury Department's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). One hour of debate is scheduled, and nine amendments were made in order and will be considered. A final vote on this bill is expected Tuesday evening.

Wednesday

The House meets at noon to consider H.R. 471, which would revive the D.C. school-voucher program that expired in 2009. Amendments must be put forward by Tuesday in order to be considered.

The House will also consider H.R. 872, which would reverse a court decision that said pesticide use is regulated by the Clean Water Act in addition to a federal pesticide law. This bill will be taken up under a suspension of House rules.

Thursday and Friday

The House meets at 10 a.m. Thursday to begin consideration of H.R. 658, which would authorize the FAA through 2014. House work on this bill is expected to conclude on Friday. Amendments must be put forward by Tuesday in order to be considered.