Defense Secretary Ash Carter returns to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to answer another round of tough questions from senators about the U.S. strategy to fight Islamic State militants in the Middle East.
The hearing comes just a few days after Army Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler, 39, became the first combat casualty in Iraq in more than four years and at a time of increased scrutiny for American efforts in the region.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee also will examine that work so far, in a closed briefing with Secretary of State John Kerry at the same time as Carter's appearance and in a public session later in the week.
Also this week, House members will look at problems with joint Veterans Affairs and Defense Department health records, an ongoing source of complaints from veterans and lawmakers. And the House Armed Services Committee continues its look at defense acquisition improvements, just days after President Obama vetoed the 2016 defense authorization bill filled with new acquisition reform measures.
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — Dirksen G50
Middle East strategy
Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford will testify before the committee about U.S. operations in Iraq, Syria and the broader region.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Defense acquisition
Outside experts will brief the committee on ways to shorten the defense acquisition cycle and root out waste.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Visitors Center S217
Closed briefing
The committee will hear from Secretary of State John Kerry about U.S. efforts in Syria.
House Foreign Affairs — 1 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
Religious freedom
The subcommittee on global rights will discuss worldwide threats to religious freedom with state department officials.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2118
Undersea warfare
The seapower subcommittee will discuss undersea warfare platforms and strategy with outside experts.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2167
Syria
The subcommittee on the Middle East will look at the humanitarian crisis emerging from Syria.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2154
Electronic health records
Veterans' committee members will review ongoing problems with health records interoperability between the VA and Defense Department in a joint hearing with oversight committee members.
Senate Intelligence — 2 p.m. — Hart 219
Closed hearing
The committee will hear from Obama administration officials on a series of classified intelligence matters.
Senate Foreign Relations — 9:30 a.m. — Dirksen 419
Middle East strategy
The committee will hear from State Department officials on efforts to combat the Islamic State in the Middle East.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 2:30 pm. — Russell 418
Mental health
The committee will hear from VA and outside experts on resources available for veterans seeking mental health treatment, and ways to improve access to medical care.
Senate Foreign Relations — 3:30 p.m. — Dirksen 419
Nominations
The committee will review a series of pending nominations, including the new ambassador to Libya.
House Armed Services — 9 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Nuclear deterrents
The subcommittee on strategic forces will hear from outside experts on nuclear deterrence and strategy.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
Nominations
The committee will review a series of pending nominations, including Thomas Shannon to be undersecretary of state for political affairs.
Senate Intelligence — 2 p.m. — Hart 219
Closed hearing
The committee will hear from administration officials on a series of classified intelligence matters.
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.
