Defense hearings: Afghanistan updates, NDAA veto watch

All defense-related activity on Capitol Hill this week will be overshadowed by the looming presidential veto of the annual defense authorization bill.

The Senate could vote on the measure as early as Tuesday, and the months that lawmakers have spent negotiating over military pay-and-benefits policies could be struck down by the White House before the weekend starts.

Both the House and Senate Armed Services committees this week will host Army Gen. John Campbell, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, to discuss security setbacks in the ongoing fight there. Taliban forces have retaken several key cities in northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, calling into question the capabilities of that nation's American-trained security forces.

Afghanistan

The committee will hear from Army Gen. John Campbell, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, on the security situation for American service members and reports of Taliban advances in the country.

Pending legislation

The committee will consider several pending health and benefits measures, and also vote on the nomination of former House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mike Michaud to become the new assistant secretary of labor for veterans' employment and training.

Veterans health

The committee will speak to outside experts about the Veterans Health Administration and ways to improve operations.

Food aid

The committee will examine current problems with U.S. programs designed to provide food assistance to foreign countries.

Syrian refugees

The committee will look at the influx of Syrian migrants and their impact on the U.S. refugee admissions program.

Africa

The committee will look at U.S. outreach in Africa and food/nutrition programs for countries in the region.

North Korea

Outside experts offer their views on U.S. policy toward North Korea and the continued threat that country poses to regional stability.

Nuclear fuel disposal

The committee will examine National Nuclear Security Administration operations with the MOX Project.

Training

The subcommittee on readiness will examine the effect of budget caps on installation training and readiness programs.

Senate Armed Services -- 9:30 a.m. -- Dirksen 218

Russia

The committee will hear from outside experts on Russian strategy and military operations in Ukraine.

Afghanistan

The committee will hear from Army Gen. John Campbell, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, on the security situation for American service members and reports of Taliban advances in the country.

Domestic threats

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and FBI Director James Comey testify before the committee on existing threats to homeland security.

Suicide prevention

The subcommittee on personnel will discuss military suicide prevention programs with health officials from all four services.

Diplomatic training

Committee members will review diplomatic security training practices and facilities.

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