Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates will make his first appearance before Congress in more than four years to discuss defense reform efforts with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.
It will be the first of several military oversight hearings for the week.
The House Armed Services Committee will take take a closer look at defense train-and-equip programs, the F-35 program and Defense Department anti-propaganda programs.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson goes before his department's oversight committee on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of unrest on the Middle East traveling to American shores.
And members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, already unhappy with the response to date from Veterans Affairs Department officials to the committee's oversight efforts into abuse of VA job relocation funds, plan top issue subpoenas during their Wednesday hearing.
Wednesday
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — Hart 216
Defense reform
The committee will discuss future defense reform proposals with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Security cooperation
Outside experts will discuss U.S. efforts to build up allies' security forces and the potential shortfalls in their methods so far.
House Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — Cannon 311
Worldwide threats
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Director of National Intelligence Nicholas Rasmussen and FBI director James Comey will testify on the threats posed by Islamic State fighters and refugees fleeing Syria.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:15 a.m. — Cannon 334
Relocation funds
The committee will hear from VA officials on allegations of inappropriate use of relocation program incentives by department employees, and is expected to issue subpoenas for several other VA staffers to appear before the committee at a later date.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
Burma
The committee will hear from State Department officials on human rights challenges in Burma and the prospects for peace in that nation.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2200
Russia
The committee will hear from outside experts on issues surrounding Russian engagement in the Western Hemisphere, and the possible threats that poses.
House Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — Rayburn 2212
F-35 aircraft
Officials from the F-35 Joint Program Office will testify about new pilot issues with the aircraft, and update on its procurement.
Thursday
Senate Armed Services -- 9:30 a.m. -- Dirksen G50
Security strategy
The committee will hear from outside experts on worldwide defense threats and critique military priorities and organization.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 10 a.m. — Cannon 334
Primary care
The committee will hear from VA officials on the ability of the department's health system to deliver primary care to veterans and challenges with the current workload.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2212
Enemy propaganda
Assistant Defense Secretary Michael Lumpkin and military officials will discuss ways to counter propaganda and social media outreach efforts by terrorist groups.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2200
African Great Lakes
The committee will hear from State Department officials on security and humanitarian challenges in Central Africa.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2255
North Korea
The committee will hear from State Department officials on connections between known terrorist activity and the North Korean government.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 2 p.m. — Cannon 334
VetSuccess
The subcommittee on economic opportunity will look at the Veterans Affairs Department's VetSuccess on Campus program and the opportunities it gives to student veterans.
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.
