WASHINGTON — Congress increasingly is being defined by what it’s not doing this election year.

The Senate returns this week with a strong majority of Republicans saying no to any consideration of President Barack Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court. No hearings, no vote and, for some lawmakers, not even a meeting with federal appeals Court Judge Merrick Garland.

Republicans, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., insist that the decision on filling the court vacancy rests with the next president.

A bipartisan bill to aid Flint, Mich., where the city’s residents are struggling with lead-contaminated water is being blocked by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who wants to ensure that the money is paid for without adding to the deficit. The dispute has snagged a far-reaching measure on energy.

In the House, where lawmakers return from break April 12, conservative opposition probably will make it impossible to pass a budget, in what would be a major embarrassment for Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. A GOP proposal to aid debt-stricken Puerto Rico has drawn criticism from House Democrats and conservatives, raising doubts about Congress’ ability to resolve the issue.

The latest Gallup Poll shows public approval of Congress at an abysmal 13 percent. Yet, through a half-dozen state primaries, no incumbent lawmaker has lost.

A look at some issues:

Garland fightGarland plans to meet with 11 senators in the week ahead, including two Republicans. Democrats are maintaining election-year pressure on the GOP for blocking the usual Senate committee hearings and vote on a high court nominee.At least 15 GOP senators have said they are willing to meet Garland, though most oppose letting the confirmation process progress. Susan Collins of Maine and Mark Kirk of Illinois are the only Republicans open to hearings and a vote. Under intense conservative pressure, Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas backtracked late last week, saying no to hearings and a vote after signaling support days earlier.

SpendingIt’s been years since Congress approved each of the annual appropriations bills — the 12 measures that fund the budgets of agencies and departments. The new normal is an all-encompassing bill at the end of the year. Republicans leaders such as McConnell want to get process back on track, and the Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to start the week of April 11.

Criminal justiceAdvocates for a criminal justice overhaul are hoping Congress will move legislation in both chambers before the summer, though the effort has run into roadblocks in the Senate.