Congress returns to Washington this week with Democrats in both chambers seeking to turn back Republican attacks and pass meaningful legislation before the session is scheduled to end on October 8. While the final weeks leading up to the election could be fruitful for both parties and the nation as a whole, Democrats face constant attacks from the minority in both houses and the threat of gridlock and stalled legislation. They fear this inactivity could seal the majority's fate come November.

Upon their return, embattled Democrats hope to change the narrative that has emerged this election season. From coast to coast, Republicans and other groups have painted the majority party as largely ineffective in the face of what critics have perceived as a stalled economic recovery.

While Democrats have continued to push back, citing major legislative efforts that were pushed aside due to Republic stall tactics, critics have seized on a few economic indicators and have refused to back down. From citing an unemployment rate that they believe is too high to spending that they believe has spiraled out of control, detractors and their messages have gained traction in recent weeks, resulting in an anti-establishment sentiment settling in across the nation.

Largely centered on the majority, the attacks have affected incumbents on both sides of the aisle, with more conservative groups hoping to oust Republican legislators they perceive to be too centrist and willing to work with Democrats on the issues.

With both the House and Senate majorities in play according to some pollsters, legislators will look to appease their constituencies over the final weeks. They realize that, if they don't, they could be shown the door.

Honing in on the Tax Cuts

Undeterred, Democrats have identified three priorities for the period: A small-business lending measure, a bill addressing the Bush tax-cuts and their impending expiration, and a stopgap bill necessary to keep the government functioning.

Key to their strategy, Senate Democrats are hoping to stage a showdown over the expiring Bush-era tax cuts. According to Roll Call, a recent Gallup poll showed that "44 percent of Americans support President Obama's tax plan to extend tax cuts for those making less than $200,000 and couple earning less than $250,000."

While most Senate and House Democrats are in Obama's corner on the plan, the likelihood of a measure that matches the President's rhetoric passing would be slim in this political climate. With a surging GOP reluctant to move any legislation that may affect polling numbers, it's clear the bill, like others before it, will be a battle. The votes necessary to overcome procedural hurdles and a reluctance of some Democrats to extend only certain portions of the cuts during the economic recovery will hamper any forward movement.

It's precisely this sentiment and the expected Republican filibuster that the Democrats hope to use as fodder this coming November. By highlighting that a vote against the proposed tax-hike for those couple making over $250,000 is a vote to protect the wealthy at the expense of all others, Democrats will be looking to turn the tide in their favor.

Insiders are playing a wait-and-see game when it comes to the tax bill. As of now, the GOP has yet to take the bait but a showdown is likely, one which both parties hope will help solidify support come the first Tuesday in November.