Washington ? With pension programs across the country in deep trouble and workers fearing a collapse that could jeopardize their retirement, it was hardly a surprise that Congress would step in last year to write legislation to reassure retirees, help businesses and protect taxpayers.

But with lawmakers returning to work today, there are signs the legislation could be in trouble. Congress has missed two deadlines for completing the bill, and a key senator is warning that unless a deal is reached in the next few weeks it will be increasingly difficult to pass.

That means pensions could join the list of politically sensitive items that Congress is having trouble addressing – including immigration, lobbying reform and taxes – even as lawmakers face the voters this November.

“The closer we get to Election Day, the harder it’ll be to get a bipartisan agreement,” said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. “Congress needs to dedicate itself to sending a (pension) bill to the president before Memorial Day.”

Both houses have passed major pension-overhaul bills, but the Senate version is significantly friendlier to workers and imposes stronger restrictions on companies, while the House version focuses on protecting businesses from onerous requirements.