Congress enters its final full week of work ahead of the November election, with short hearings and a long list of unfinished business.
Lawmakers are expected to vote by the end of the week on a 12-week extension to the budget to avoid a partial government shutdown that will begin on Oct. 1. 1. The full-year funding plan for fiscal 2023 is still pending, and serious negotiations on the plan may not take place until after the election.
The House of Representatives plans to leave Washington, D.C., by mid-November, but the Senate’s break lasts only a week before lawmakers return for a brief pre-election job. Senate leaders have said they will use their speaking time during this period to advance the annual national defense authorization bill.
The must-pass legislation, including the Department of Defense’s Pay Authorization and Spending Policy Program, has passed the House of Representatives and is expected to be completed by the end of December.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Russia Sanctions
State and Treasury officials will testify about U.S. sanctions on Russia over the war on Ukraine.
Senate Judiciary Committee — 10 a.m. — 226 Dirksen
war crimes
Outside experts will testify on U.S. policy and response to war crimes.
Senate Homeland Security — 11 a.m. — 342 Dirksen
pending business
The committee will consider several pending bills and nominations.
Thursday, September. 29
House Foreign Affairs – 10 a.m. – 2172 Rayburn
Haiti
Outside experts will testify on U.S. policy toward Haiti.
Department of Veterans Affairs – 10 a.m. – H210 Visitor Center
suicide prevention
Veterans Affairs officials and outside experts will testify about veteran suicide prevention efforts.
Senate Homeland Security — 10:15 a.m. — 342 Dirksen
nominate
The committee will consider several nominations, including Robert Shriver III as deputy director of the Office of Personnel Management.
Leo is responsible for Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House in the military era. He has covered Washington, DC since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policy. His work has won numerous honors, including the 2009 Polk Award, the 2010 National Headline Award, the IAVA News Leadership Award, and the VFW News Media Award.