First Week Back: The Week Ahead in Congress

With Congress returning this week after the holiday break, lawmakers again return to a full docket of business, with another looming government shutdown just ten days away.

The protracted battle over a final budget – with the most recent short-term continuing resolution representing the fourth of this cycle alone – appears poised for another round, with Democrats threatening to vote “no” on budget proposals that do not include language to address the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals plan implemented by President Obama and rescinded by President Trump.

Members from both chambers will also consider a number of other major issues, including the opioid crisis, Cuban relations, and the U.S. policy on Syria and the Middle East, among others.

A full rundown of the week’s Congressional activity, compiled by Federal Times, is below:

Tuesday, Jan. 9 

Senate Health — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 430
Opioid Crisis
The full committee will hear from outside experts on opioid abuse issues and the impact on America. 

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
Cuba
The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will talk to outside experts about attacks on U.S. diplomats in Cuba. 

House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2118
China
The subcommittee on emerging threats will hear from outside experts on China's technology development and the impact on U.S. security strategy. 

Wednesday, Jan. 10

House Armed Services Committee -- 10 a.m. -- Rayburn 2118
Defense audit 
Defense Department Comptroller David Norquist will testify before the committee on the military’s Financial Improvement and Audit Remediation plan. 

House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2172
National security sanctions
Outside experts will testify before the committee on issues surrounding sanctions and other financial penalties against hostile adversaries. 

House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — Cannon 334
Home loans
VA and outside experts will testify before the economic opportunity subcommittee on so-called “home loan churning” practices and the effect on veterans. 

House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
Regional elections
The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will hear from outside experts on the potential impact of regional elections on American security. 

Thursday, Jan. 11

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
ISIS
State Department officials will testify before the committee on U.S. policy in Syria and the Middle East following the fall of ISIS.