The House returned at 1:15 p.m. Friday and voted 238-174 to begin consideration of a resolution disapproving of the Federal Communications Commission's net-neutrality rules.

Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) called for the vote. Earlier in the day he had suggested that the House should not take up the resolution — H.J.Res. 37 — because of the ongoing budget fight.

Only four Democrats voted to consider the resolution: Reps. Dan Boren (Okla.), Collin Peterson (Minn.), Kurt Schrader (Ore.), and Heath Shuler (NC).

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the fight over a potential government shutdown that would begin after midnight is in House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) mind.

“The battle over whether the government shuts down is going on in Speaker Boehner’s head," said Schumer, chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

"Look inside Speaker Boehner's brains and see what’s going on," said Schumer. "I am sure there is a lot of torment and tumult. I sympathize with the situation, but this is a time for leadership."

Schumer has called on Boehner to abandon the Tea Party element of his caucus and move toward the middle in negotiations with Democrats on the fiscal 2011 budget.

If a deal to fund the government is not struck before midnight on Friday, the government will shut down.

In light of the nuclear crisis at Japan's Fukushima reactor, the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works will lead an exploration of nuclear safety in the United States next Tuesday.

Senate committees next week will also take up the issue of funding for NASA, U.S. forces on the South and North Korean border, and deficit reduction efforts. Below is a list of featured hearings for next week:

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The House reconvened at noon to hear one-minute speeches, then recessed subject to the call of the chairman at 12:14 p.m.

The recess was called because House Republicans had scheduled a noon meeting at which House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) was expected to discuss a possible budget agreement with Democrats.

Left unclear is whether the House would have time to take up its planned consideration of a resolution that would disapprove of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) regulation of the Internet through its net-neutrality rules.

Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) called on Republicans to skip the FCC resolution, H.J.Res. 37, and focus on a spending plan in order to avoid a government shutdown, which would occur at midnight Friday if no deal were reached.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he believes there will be an agreement on a funding package for fiscal year 2011 shortly, thus averting a government shutdown. 

“Neither side actually wants one [a shutdown],” said McConnell. “And that’s why I believe there will be an agreement here shortly.” 

"I have been in many negotiation over the years," he noted. "I assure you, these are not unresolvable issues. … A resolution is actually within reach.” 

One of those issues holding up negotiations is a provision in a funding measure approved by the House that would remove funding for all of Title X. Last year, $75 million of Title X funding went to Planned Parenthood affiliates. While Planned Parenthood provides abortion services, it does not use federal money for them.

If a deal to fund the government is not struck by midnight on Friday, the government will shut down.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is scheduled to meet with House Republicans at noon to discuss a spending deal. Senate Democrats are scheduled to meet at 1 p.m.

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) indicated on Friday he would again ask for a short-term budget extension that keeps government operating while the two parties negotiate on a FY 2011 budget deal.

Hoyer spoke just after Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said Congress should pass legislation that ensures U.S. troops are funded. Hoyer said his Thursday would have done that, and that he would make a similar request on Friday.

"I'm going to tell you, we're going to ask for another unanimous consent that will accomplish exactly what the gentleman from Texas wanted to accomplish," Hoyer said. "I hope that none of you object."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) accused Republicans of being willing to shut down the federal government over a rider relating to abortion rights.

“This debate was about saving money, but no longer,” said Reid in a floor speech.

Legislation approved by the House would eliminate funding for all of Title X. Though Title X does not pay for abortions, $75 million of last year’s Title X funding went to Planned Parenthood affiliates. Planned Parenthood provides abortion services, but says it does not use taxpayer money for that purpose.

House Republican freshmen on Friday morning called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to take the lead and pass a fiscal 2011 spending resolution, highlighting the growing tensions between the upper and lower chambers just hours before a potential shutdown.

"Harry Reid, get your act together," said Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn). "Let's put this country on the right track and move forward." Black said the House would stay in session until "we get our fiscal house in order."

Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) said he and other Republicans on Friday would hold their eighth consecutive rally urging Reid to pass a bill. He noted that 90 Republicans this week sent Reid a letter asking him to step down if he does not want to move on any bill.

"It's time for Sen. Reid to lead, as his title suggests," Crawford said.

Barring a government shutdown, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will testify next week on her department's priorities. Her testimony comes just after House Republicans have offered a budget plan that would reform Medicare, which prompted Democrats to argue that Republicans are seeking to gut that program.

House committees next week also take up mortgage markets, sanctions against North Korea and higher gas prices. A list of featured committee hearings follows: