After a week of snow cancellations and delays, lawmakers return to Capitol Hill with a backlog of defense hearings and a legislative scramble before the White House's fiscal 2017 budget proposal is unveiled Feb. 9.
Army Gen. John Campbell, head of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, is scheduled to brief House Armed Services Committee members Tuesday, less than a week after his presumed replacement (Army Lt. Gen. John Nicholson) had his confirmation hearing before senators. Campbell will discuss the security situation there, and plans to withdraw U.S. troops from the country in coming years.
At the same time, Senate Armed Services Committee members will host the service secretaries to discuss plans to open combat roles to women, and how that change will be implemented.
Both of those committees also have rescheduled hearings from last week on their weekly business list.
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — Dirksen G50
Women in combat
The four service secretaries will appear before the committee to discuss the decision to open all ground combat units to women, and how that will be implemented.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Afghanistan
U.S. Forces Afghanistan commander Gen. John Campbell will testify before the committee about current progress and problems in the 14-year-old fight there.
House Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — Cannon 334
Outside care programs
The subcommittee on health will discuss Veterans Affairs proposals to consolidate existing outside care programs into a simpler system.
Senate Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 342
Terrorism
Law enforcement experts will discuss the threat of terrorist attacks in America, and how local officials are responding.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Acquisition reform
Defense officials will discuss recent acquisition reform efforts in the department and plans for efficiencies in the future.
Senate Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 342
Canadian refugee plans
Security officials will discuss the potential impact of Canada's new Fast-Track Refugee Plan on U.S. border security.
House Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — Cannon 311
Refugees
Outside experts will discuss potential terrorist infiltration into the United States through the federal refugee and visa programs.
House Veterans' Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — Cannon 334
VA technology
Committee members will examine problems with the department's technology transfer programs and potential solutions for the future.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
Turkey
The subcommittee on Europe will discuss political unrest in Turkey and its effects on regional security issues.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2212
Military treatment facilities
The subcommittee on military personnel will discuss planned changes and updates to military medical treatment facilities and the defense health care system.
Senate Armed Services — 2:30 p.m. — Visitors Center S217
Closed hearing
Committee members will receive a briefing on U.S. operations in the Middle East.
House Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — Rayburn 2118
Biodefense
Outside experts will brief subcommittee members on biodefense threats and capabilities.
House Armed Services — 10:30 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Naval strike fighters
The subcommittee on tactical forces will discuss issues and concerns with the naval strike fighter fleet.
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.
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.
