Lawmakers will wrestle with responses to the ongoing border crisis and escalation of Ukraine tensions following the downing of a Malaysian commercial airliner, while also trying to complete work on a highway bill and a Department of Veterans Affairs reform bill before August recess.
Adding to the discord and distractions on Capitol Hill is work by Republicans on a planned lawsuit against President Obama for his executive action in delaying a provision of the Affordable Care Act. Lawmakers, and the White House, will also be watching developments in Israel’s ground operation into Gaza.
Tuesday, July 22:
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee holds a hearing for the nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, former Proctor & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is a member of the panel.
Wednesday, July 23:
EPA administrator Gina McCarthy will make her first Senate appearance to defend the administration’s crackdown on carbon pollution from existing power plants when she testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
The House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on preventing abuse and fraud in the Affordable Care Act’s premium subsidies. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, sits on the committee.
Also on Wednesday, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the future of Indian gaming.
Thursday, July 24:
House Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on food stamps – with an eye to back Republican efforts to trim the problem.
Friday, July 25:
President Obama will host the President Otto Perez Molina of Guatemala, President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras, and President Salvador Sanchez Ceren of El Salvador at the White House as part of an effort to find a solution the influx of thousands of child migrants from Central America.