WASHINGTON — Congress’ first real week of work in 2018 begins this Monday, when both chambers return to the capital facing another round of looming budget deadlines.
Lawmakers have until Jan. 19 to reach a new budget deal or risk a government shutdown. Work continued on the impasse through the holiday break, but neither Republican or Democratic leaders have indicated that they are willing to make major sacrifices to move the process forward.
That unresolved work from last year won’t slow down the demands of this year’s legislative session. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech is scheduled for Jan. 30, and his fiscal 2019 budget proposal is due in early February.
House Armed Services Committee officials will delve into some of those early defense budget issues on Wednesday, when Pentagon Comptroller David Norquist testifies on Capitol Hill about military financial readiness and congressional demands for better efficiency.
Senate Health — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 430
Opioid Crisis
The full committee will hear from outside experts on opioid abuse issues and the impact on America.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
Cuba
The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will talk to outside experts about attacks on U.S. diplomats in Cuba.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2118
China
The subcommittee on emerging threats will hear from outside experts on China's technology development and the impact on U.S. security strategy.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Defense audit
Defense Department Comptroller David Norquist will testify before the committee on the military’s Financial Improvement and Audit Remediation plan.
House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2172
National security sanctions
Outside experts will testify before the committee on issues surrounding sanctions and other financial penalties against hostile adversaries.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — Cannon 334
Home loans
VA and outside experts will testify before the economic opportunity subcommittee on so-called “home loan churning” practices and the effect on veterans.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
Regional elections
The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will hear from outside experts on the potential impact of regional elections on American security.
Thursday, Jan. 11
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
ISIS
State Department officials will testify before the committee on U.S. policy in Syria and the Middle East following the fall of ISIS.
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.
