August recess is over.  This week the Congress returned to DC to begin its push toward eventual adjournment for the year – perhaps around Thanksgiving.  The new fiscal year (FY 2010) begins on October 1, so making progress toward completing the twelve annual appropriations bills that fund federal programs will occupy considerable attention in the weeks ahead, along with the health care debate.  Meanwhile, today Inside Higher Ed provided its perspective on how higher education issues – including the Obama administration’s plan to dramatically change the federal student loan program – will play out during the fall session.