By Richard Hertling and Kaitlyn McClure (December 2, 2017, 11:25 PM EST) -- As has become customary in recent years, members of Congress face a daunting to-do list in the final weeks of 2017. Both chambers are scheduled to be in session through Dec. 15, but the actual adjournment date for the year is likely to be pushed closer to the Christmas holiday or beyond, given the number of must-pass items on the agenda. In addition to addressing a number of key legislative items that expire in December, including government funding for fiscal year 2018, Republicans are aiming to pass a tax reform package, a crucial policy priority for the GOP, and send it to the president's desk before the end of the year. While some believe a looming deadline is just what Congress needs to get things done, there is worry on Capitol Hill that the legislative pileup and long-simmering partisan battles on major budget and policy issues have created a prime opportunity for political brinkmanship to paralyze the high-stakes negotiations....