WASHINGTON — As another partial government shutdown threat approaches on Friday, lawmakers on Capitol Hill may opt to delay those partisan budget fights a bit longer to pay tribute to former President George H.W. Bush.

Bush, who died last week, is scheduled to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda from Monday until Wednesday. As national leaders pay their respects, some House and Senate work will be disrupted or postponed.

That includes work on a final funding deal for a host of agencies, although military and VA operations would be unaffected since their budgets were finalized earlier this fall. Lawmakers had a deadline of midnight Friday to finish that work, but may agree upon a one- or two-week budget extension to ensure the looming deadline doesn’t overshadow Bush’s honors

On Tuesday, Senate Armed Services Committee members is scheduled to consider the nominations of new leaders for U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. On Wednesday, they are set to welcome Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and other top service officials to discuss Navy and Marine Corps readiness.

On Thursday, the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees has planned to bring top VA officials to Capitol Hill discuss the ongoing implementation of new community care rules for veterans health programs, a key focal point of President Donald Trump’s promises for the department.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will consider the nominations of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr. to be head of U.S. Central Command and Army Lt. Gen. Richard Clarke to head of U.S. Special Operations Command.

Senate Foreign Relations — 9:30 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will consider several pending nominations, including the new ambassador to Cambodia.

Senate Foreign Relations — 10:30 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
China
State Department officials will testify before the committee on Chinese human rights issues.

Senate Foreign Relations — 2:30 p.m. — 419 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will consider several pending nominations, including the new ambassador to Australia.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

House Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — 334 Cannon
VA Appeals Reform
The committee will hear from VA official on progress with benefits appeals reform efforts.

House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — 2118 Rayburn
Artificial Intelligence
Lisa Porter, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research, will testify before the committee on department investments in artificial intelligence.

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Zimbabwe
State Department officials will testify before the committee that status of Zimbabwe security following recent elections.

House Veterans' Affairs — 2 p.m. — 334 Cannon
Veterans First Program
VA officials will testify before the committee on the current status of the Veterans First program.

House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2200 Rayburn
Child Abduction
State Department officials will testify on issues surrounding international child abduction crimes.

Senate Armed Services — 2:30 p.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Navy/Marine Corps Readiness
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller, and Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William Moran will testify before the committee on force readiness issues.

Thursday, Dec. 6

House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — 2118 Rayburn
National Defense Strategy Commission
The chairmen of the National Defense Strategy Commission will testify before the committee on their research and findings.

House and Senate Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — H210 Visitors Center
Mission Act implementation
VA officials will testify before the committee on progress implementing the VA Mission Act and the long-term impact on department community care programs.

House Armed Services — 1:30 p.m. — 2118 Rayburn
Naval Surface Forces
Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Adm. Christopher Grady, head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will testify before the committee on naval readiness issues.

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.

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