As Congress heads towards its extended summer break, the Senate is moving through a series of pending nominations this week in an effort to finish some lingering business.
The chamber's Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs and Foreign Relations committees will all hold non-controversial confirmation hearings this week, with the possibility of full chamber votes before July. The incoming head of U.S. Africa Command and the National Guard's next chief are among those under consideration.
House Armed Services Committee members will tackle cyber security issues on Wednesday, one of only three days representatives are scheduled to be on Capitol Hill between now and July 5.
Both chambers are expected in coming days to name their conference committee appointees to negotiations on the annual defense authorization bill, in the hopes of reaching a final agreement on the policy measure in early fall.
House Veterans’ Affairs -- 3 p.m. -- Pineville, La.
Louisiana VA care
The subcommittee on health will host a field hearing in Louisiana to discuss ongoing access and care quality issues in the state.
Senate Armed Services -- 9:30 a.m. -- Dirksen G50
Nominations
The committee will consider the nominations of Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser to be head of U.S. Africa Command and Lt. Gen Joseph Lengyel to be chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Senate Foreign Relations -- 2:30 p.m. -- Dirksen 419
Nominations
The committee will consider the nominations of Hearings Anne Hall to be ambassador to Lithuania and Lawrence Silverman to be ambassador to Kuwait.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs -- 2:30 p.m. -- Russell 418
Nominations
The committee will consider the nomination of Christopher O'Connor to be assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs for congressional and legislative affairs.
House Armed Services -- 10 a.m. -- Rayburn 2118
Cyber operations
Thomas Atkin, acting assistant secretary of defense for global security, and Lt. Gen. Kevin McLaughlin, deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, will testify before the committee on military cyber operations and challenges.
House Foreign Affairs -- 1 p.m. -- Rayburn 2172
Venezuela
Committee members will hear from outside experts on instability in Venezuela and security implications for the region.
House Foreign Affairs -- 2 p.m. -- Rayburn 2200
Vietnam
The subcommittee on human rights will discuss ongoing issues in Vietnam and the president's recent trip to the country.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs -- 2:30 p.m. -- Russell 418
VA technology
Department officials will testify about VA information technology modernization efforts and lingering challenges.
House Veterans’ Affairs -- 10 a.m. -- Cannon 334
Pending legislation
Lawmakers will consider several bills pending before the committee.
House Foreign Affairs -- 2 p.m. -- Rayburn 2200
Organ harvesting
The subcommittee on human rights will hear from outside experts on the practice of organ harvesting and prevention efforts.
House Foreign Affairs -- 2:15 p.m. -- Rayburn 2172
Pacific policy
The subcommittee on the Pacific will examine U.S. influence and posture in the region, and plans for the future.
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.
