Security Is Focus In New House Session

Congressional Republicans are focusing on national defense and battling terrorism as lawmakers return from a month-long summer break.

With the November elections looming and their continued control of both the House and Senate in question, Republicans are taking a time-tested approach by focusing on national security issues.

The House will take up the defense authorization bill, and it will also focus on military tribunal legislation — specifically in response to the Supreme Court decision in the Hamdan v. Rumsfeld case, reports CBS News Capitol Hill reporter Allison Davis.

While playing the national security card worked in 2002 and 2004, Democrats say not this year. Polls show the traditional GOP edge on terrorism and national security has slipped as the war in Iraq drags on.

The House officially resumes session on Wednesday until October 6, yet Majority Leader John Boehner is hoping to adjourn on September 29 for the "let's get re-elected" hiatus, says Davis.

Although House will concentrate on security concerns, there are some other issues on the docket. During its first week back, the House will deal with the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which would make it illegal to kill horses for human consumption.

Another bill to be considered, possibly next week, is the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005, which would restrict solid waste from Canada from being disposed of in the United States, Davis reports.

Meanwhile, the Senate begins work Tuesday on a defense spending bill, and will soon work on a port security measure.