WASHINGTON — House members are preparing to leave Capitol Hill for their summer recess at the end of this week, but first have to tackle several urgent pieces of legislation.

Among the votes on the chamber floor expected this week are an appropriations “minibus” which will include the defense and Veterans Affairs budgets for fiscal 2018, a GI Bill expansion compromise, and a short-term fix for the VA Choice program funding shortfall.

Senate leaders announced plans to delay the start of their summer recess for two weeks, giving them more time to sort through some of those same legislative issues. But they still have not set firm dates on when they will vote on the annual defense authorization act or any of the critical veterans bills moving through the House.

Anything delayed until this fall risks running into conflicts with other pending work, including raising the national debt ceiling and processing short-term budget extensions before the new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.

Tuesday, July 26

House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn

AUMF

Outside legal experts will testify on the need for a new authorization for the use of military force in the fight against Islamic State group militants in the Middle East.

House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — Cannon 334

PTSD claims

The subcommittee on disability assistance will hear from VA officials and outside groups on whether the department is effectively serving veterans who file PTSD claims.

House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — 2212 Rayburn

Foreign military spending

Government oversight experts and defense officials will testify before the committee on U.S. equipment and uniform procurement for foreign allies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2172 Rayburn

Iran

Families of Iran hostages will testify before the committee on U.S. policy towards that regime.

House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2200 Rayburn

Europe budget

State Department officials will testify on the White House FY18 budget priorities for European initiatives.

Senate Armed Services — 2:30 p.m. — Russell 222

Navy build-up

Outside experts will testify before the committee on the stated goal of a 355-ship Navy and the challenges facing that type of build-up.

Senate Foreign Relations — 2:30 p.m. — Dirksen 419

North Korea

State Department officials and outside experts will testify before the committee on U.S. policy towards North Korea and possible additional sanctions on that foreign power.

Wednesday, July 27

Senate Veterans’ Affairs — time TBD — Russell 418

GI Bill expansion

The committee will mark-up a measure expanding post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419

South Sudan

The committee will hear from outside experts on conflict and famine in the African country. Immediately following the hearing, the committee will also consider several ambassador nominations.

House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2172

Cyber diplomacy

State Department officials will testify before the committee on the cyber challenges facing U.S. leaders.

House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172

Qatar

Outside experts will testify before the committee on the U.S. relationship with Qatar and conflict in the region.


Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

Share:
In Other News
Load More