Less than a week after House lawmakers advanced a controversial version of the annual defense authorization bill, Senate lawmakers will take up debate on the must-pass budget policy bill with an eye towards starting inter-chamber negotiations by the end of the month.
However, that timeline does not guarantee the two sides will be able to reach a compromise by the end of the fiscal year in September. The Republican-controlled House passed a bill draft on July 14 that included significant restrictions on abortion access for troops, medical care for transgender servicemembers and diversity training efforts that the Democratic-controlled Senate are likely to reject outright.
Senate Republicans are expected to attempt to insert some of the same ideas during floor debate over the next few days, but GOP lawmakers lack the votes in the upper chamber to secure such victories. Instead, the issues will most likely be sorted out by staffers behind closed doors in coming weeks, during the extended congressional late summer break.
House Rules Committee officials are expected this week to begin work on the annual defense appropriations and Veterans Affairs appropriations bills, which also contain similar controversial topics and are also expected to need lengthy negotiating sessions to hammer out a compromise between party leaders.
Tuesday, July 18
House Armed Services — 9 a.m. — 2118 RayburnArtificial Intelligence
Outside experts will testify on the threats and advantages of artificial intelligence in national defense operations.
House Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — 360 Cannon
Veterans Gun Ownership
Committee members will debate legislation designed to strengthen gun ownership rules regarding veterans.
House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — Visitors Center H210
Indo-Pacific Budget
State Department officials will testify on the fiscal 2024 budget plan for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
House Veterans' Affairs — 2 p.m. — 360 Cannon
Pending Legislation
The subcommittee on health will consider several pending bills.
House Oversight — 1 p.m. — 2154 Rayburn
Defense Travel System
Defense officials will testify on ongoing problems with the Defense Travel System and efforts to replace it.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2200 Rayburn
Russian Federation in Africa
Outside experts will testify on Russian influence in Africa.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Visitors Center H210
Western Balkans
State Department officials will testify on current threats and challenges in the Balkans region.
Wednesday, July 19
House Veterans' Affairs — 9 a.m. — 360 CannonPending Legislation
The subcommittee on economic opportunity will consider several pending bills.
House Veterans' Affairs — 9:30 a.m. — 360 Cannon
Contracting Oversight
Veterans Affairs officials will testify on current rules surrounding contracting for information technology services.
Senate Homeland Security — 9:30 a.m. — 562 Dirksen
Pending Legislation
The committee will consider several pending bills.
House Veterans' Affairs — 2 p.m. — 360 Cannon
Pending Legislation
The subcommittee on oversight will consider several pending bills.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — 2118 Rayburn
Military Service Academies
The superintendents of the three military service academies will testify on admissions criteria and curriculum decisions.
Thursday, July 20
Senate Armed Services — 9 a.m. — G-50 DirksenNominations
The committee will consider the nomination of Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh to be head of U.S. Cyber Command.
Senate Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — 562 Dirksen
U.S. Supply Chain Security
Outside experts will testify on potential threats to the U.S. supply chain and possible solutions.
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.
