My Check Engine Light is on and engine sounds like it's struggling past 3000 RPM

What is your question?

It sounds like the engine struggles between 3000 and 4000 RPM when on the highway at about 60-75 mph. The problem does not occur until I am on the highway. It almost seems like I run out of gear and my car wont shift again to a higher gear. The steering wheel also shakes at this speed but I believe that is because I need an alignment. Are all of these connected? or what can it be?