According to The Washington Post, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to advance a range of measures, including legislation to fund the government until September 2015 so as to avoid a government shutdown that would otherwise be triggered on Dec. 11 when the current funding arrangement expires.
He also plans to push through a raft of pending presidential nominations, including federal judicial posts, though it will not be possible to process the hundreds of appointments awaiting approval, the Post reported
There is also expected to be a push to renew a range of tax breaks that expired at the end of 2013, extending them through 2015.
One such measure is the credit for research-and-development expenses for businesses, something the House has already voted to reinstitute and make a part of the permanent tax code. Bipartisan support is expected, even though in the past, conservative lawmakers have opposed a piecemeal approach in favor of comprehensive tax reform.
A debate about the annual defense policy bill will likely also be on the agenda, but a bipartisan proposal to stiffen sanctions against Iran could hit a roadblock when it reaches the Oval Office.
The Obama administration is concerned that new restrictions on Iran's fuel purchases and other areas of the country's economy could damage international negotiations with the country to prevent the development of its nuclear capabilities, the Post said.