This week in Congress: Major vets legislation on the move

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This week in Congress: Major vets legislation on the move
By: Leo Shane III - 5-14-18
RE: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/p...n-on-the-move/

WASHINGTON — In between two weeks of debate over the annual defense authorization bill, House lawmakers will vote on a similar veterans omnibus measure this week which would have wide-ranging impact on that population.

House leadership will bring up the VA MISSION Act this week, which includes a community care overhaul for the Department of Veterans Affairs, an extension of veterans caregivers stipends, and plans for a asset review of VA facilities throughout the country.

The measure is expected to pass and be taken up by the Senate in coming days as well. If lawmakers can’t pass the measure by the end of the month, it could jeopardize tens of thousands of veterans medical appointments whose funding is expected to run out in coming weeks.

The veterans omnibus measure could be the most comprehensive bill the House considers until a full chamber vote on the defense authorization bill, which passed out of the House Armed Services Committee last week.

Tuesday, May 15

Senate Select Intelligence — 9:30 a.m. — Dirksen 106
Nominations
The committee will consider the nomination of William Evanina to be director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.

Senate Appropriations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 192
Army budget
Committee members will hear from Army officials on the fiscal 2019 budget request.

Wednesday, May 16

House Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — Cannon 334
Members’ views
The committee will hear from fellow House members on their priorities for Veterans Affairs policies for fiscal 2019.

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
AUMF debate
The committee will hear from outside experts on a proposal for a new military force authorization for the fight against ISIS.

Senate Commerce and Science — 2:30 p.m. — Russell 253
International Space Station
The committee will hear from outside officials on the future of the International Space Station.

Senate Appropriations — 2:30 p.m. — Dirksen 192
Drug interdiction
Homeland Security officials will testify before the committee on drug enforcement activities and national security ramifications.

Thursday, May 17

House Select Intelligence — 9 a.m. — TBA
Chinese military expansion
The committee will hear from outside experts on national security threats posed by recent Chinese military moves.

House Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — Cannon 334
VA health research
The subcommittee on oversight and investigations will hear from department officials on recent advances in health research.

Senate Appropriations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 192
Air Force budget
Committee members will hear from Air Force officials on the fiscal 2019 budget request.

House Veterans' Affairs — 2 p.m. — Cannon 334
VA employment program
The committee will hear from department officials on their vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.

About the writer: 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.