This week, the Senate Armed Services Committee will conduct its important review of the proposed defense budget and policy priorities. While previous discussions by the House committee occurred publicly, the Senate panel has traditionally held these deliberations privately.
Behind closed doors, committee members will carefully consider provisions to refine and finalize the coming year’s defense legislation. In undertaking this critical responsibility, senators will likely balance various perspectives on security needs and resource allocation.
This year, however, two subcommittees will break tradition by holding legislative discussions in open hearings on Wednesday.
The personnel subcommittee has held public sessions in recent years, and this time, the seapower subcommittee will also hold a public hearing.
The committee is expected to release its final draft by Friday.
This draft will highlight differences from the House version of the bill and set the stage for negotiations between the chambers throughout the summer.
A final compromise is anticipated in the fall.
The defense authorization bill, which has passed through Congress for over 60 years, is deemed must-pass legislation due to its numerous pay and policy provisions.
Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups
Tuesday, June 11
- Senate Homeland Security — 3:30 p.m. — 342 Dirksen
Coast Guard Sexual Assault
Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan will testify on the prevention efforts against sexual assault and harassment in the Coast Guard. - House Veterans’ Affairs — 4:30 p.m. — 360 Cannon
VA Beneficiary Travel
Department officials will discuss issues with the beneficiary travel system.
Wednesday, June 12
- House Appropriations — 9 a.m. — 2359 Rayburn
Foreign Operations
The full committee will mark up the annual State Department appropriations plan. - House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn
Western Hemisphere Competition
State Department officials will testify on issues of great power competition in the Western Hemisphere. - House Transportation — 10 a.m. — 2167 Rayburn
Coast Guard Recapitalization
Service officials will discuss the recapitalization plans for the Coast Guard. - Senate Armed Services — 10:15 a.m. — 216 Hart
NDAA Personnel Issues
The personnel subcommittee will mark up its section of the annual defense authorization bill in a public session. - House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:15 a.m. — 360 Cannon
Veterans Disability Ratings
Department officials will address problems with the disability ratings system. - House Oversight — 10:30 a.m. — 2154 Rayburn
V-22 Osprey Program
Military officials will testify on the V-22 Osprey program. - Senate Armed Services — 10:45 a.m. — 216 Hart
NDAA Seapower Issues
The seapower subcommittee will mark up its section of the annual defense authorization bill in a public session. - House Veterans’ Affairs — 2 p.m. — 360 Cannon
Pending Legislation
The economic opportunity subcommittee will consider several pending bills.
Thursday, June 13
- House Appropriations Committee — 9 a.m. — 2359 Rayburn
Defense Appropriations
The full committee will mark up the annual Defense Department appropriations plan. - House Veterans’ Affairs — 9:30 a.m. — 360 Cannon
Veteran Spinal Cord Injuries
Department officials and external advocates will discuss challenges faced by veterans with spinal cord injuries. - Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will review several pending nominations.
