Congress Clears the Decks
Over the weekend, House lawmakers released the text of the nearly $900 billion must-pass annual defense authorization bill ahead of an expected program lapse at year’s end. That, along with the biennial water project authorization bill, are set for floor votes this week.
While Senators will meet this week to take up judicial nominations, House lawmakers will also consider legislation that would set water efficiency standards and increase the amount of federal district court seats.
They’ll also take up legislation under expedited procedures dealing with FEMA and Amtrak operations, estuary and highway designations, and various domestic- and China-focused cybersecurity initiatives.
Meanwhile, Members continue to craft a continuing resolution ahead of a December 20th government shutdown to extend government funding into March of next year.
Lawmakers in both Chambers will also hold several committee hearings this week, including the following:
- The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will discuss communications network safety and security
- The House Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss Cuba and human rights abuses
- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold an oversight hearing on the Coast Guard
- The House Oversight and Accountability Committee will hold an oversight hearing of the U.S. Postal Service