Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Judiciary
Subcommittee on Constitution
Hearings to examine threats to religious liberty around the world.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine implementation of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.

Energy and Natural Resources
Business meeting to consider pending calendar business.

Foreign Relations
Hearings to examine Russia's role in Syria and the broader Middle East;
to be immediately followed by a closed session in SVC-217.

Finance
Hearings to examine the nomination of Andrew M. Saul, of New York, to be Commissioner of Social Security for the term expiring January 19, 2019.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

US Lawmakers Urged to Enact Personal Data Protections, But With Care

US Congressional Panel Considers Ways to Respond to Rohingya Crisis

House Intel votes to release Russia inquiry transcripts for Lynch, Yates, Cohen, Trump Jr., and others

Google CEO will testify before U.S. House panel in November on bias accusations


Floor Outlook

House Out Until After Midterms

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

House votes to ban 'gag clauses' that prevent pharmacies from lowering customers' drug costs

House Republicans pass part of 'Tax Cuts 2.0'

Speaker Ryan's Floor Speech on Landmark Legislation to Address the Opioid Crisis

Bill to battle opioid epidemic overwhelmingly passes the House

Pro-Life language in the Family Savings Act

Senate starts debate for full Kavanaugh confirmation amid FBI investigation

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Witness named by Kavanaugh accuser becomes third to deny being at party

Blasey Ford's Female Classmate, Her Last Alleged Witness, Denies Ever Attending Party With Kavanaugh

Kavanaugh Defends Himself Against New Allegations

Susan Collins: Deborah Ramirez should speak with Senate Judiciary under oath about Kavanaugh allegation

GOP lawmaker: Second Kavanaugh accuser refusing to talk to Congress

Read the summer 1982 calendar Brett Kavanaugh gave to the Senate Judiciary Committee

Senate Committee Probes New Allegations Against Supreme Court Nominee

Two men say they, not Brett Kavanaugh, had alleged sexual encounter with Christine Ford

Read Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh's Prepared Written Testimony

Kavanaugh Comes Out of Gate Angry, Says Confirmation Process Is ‘National Disgrace’

Trump court pick tearfully denies woman's sexual assault allegation

Sarah Sanders: 'God bless' Lindsey Graham for his 'decency and courage'

Trump: 'Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him'

Sen. Graham to Kavanaugh: 'This is not a job interview; this is hell'

Six Takeaways from the Ford-Kavanaugh Hearings

Flake’s Support Gives GOP Enough Votes to Send Kavanaugh to the Full Senate

Flake Throws Judiciary Committee Into Chaos Ahead of Kavanaugh Vote

Kavanaugh approved by Senate panel, but Flake demands a week before floor vote

'Look at Me:' Women Confront Flake on Kavanaugh Support

What Sen. Jeff Flake just did on the Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination, explained

Senior Senate Republicans weigh delaying vote on Kavanaugh: Cornyn

Get ready for Democrats to say a week isn't long enough for the FBI to investigate Brett Kavanaugh

At least two GOP senators back plan to delay Kavanaugh vote

What just happened? Here's a breakdown of the Brett Kavanaugh vote and what happens next

Senate Judiciary Committee seeks background investigation into Kavanaugh

House Committee Schedule

Tuesday — September 25, 2018

HUD Office of Inspector General Report: HUDs Oversight of the Alexander County (IL) Housing Authority
Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance (Committee on Financial Services)

Conference report to accompany H.R. 6157 — Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019 [Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019];
• H. Res. 1071 — Recognizing that allowing illegal immigrants the right to vote devalues the franchise and diminishes the voting power of United States citizens.
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov


Wednesday — September 26, 2018

Coast Guard Modernization and Recapitalization: Status and Future
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation (Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)

The Impact of National Defense on the Economy, Diplomacy, and International Order
Committee on Armed Services

Genocide Against the Burmese Rohingya
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Built in America: Jobs and Growth in the Manufacturing Sector
Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (Committee on Energy and Commerce)

Examining First Amendment Rights on Campus
Committee on Education and the Workforce

House Floor Schedule

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH
On Monday, no votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 6735 – Public-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Kevin McCarthy / Homeland Security Committee)

2) H.R. 6740 – Border Tunnel Task Force Act (Sponsored by Rep. Pete Sessions / Homeland Security Committee)

3) H.R. 6620 – Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Drones and Emerging Threats Act (Sponsored by Rep. Cedric Richmond / Homeland Security Committee)

4) H.R. 6742 – Secure Border Communications Act (Sponsored by Rep. Brian Mast / Homeland Security Committee)

5) S. 3479 – Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018 (Sponsored by Sen. Johnny Isakson / Veterans Affairs Committee)

6) H.R. 6378 – Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Susan Brooks / Energy and Commerce Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Monday, September 24, 2018

Judiciary
Hearings to examine the nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.


Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Armed Services
Hearings to examine the nominations of General Robert B. Abrams, USA, to be General, and to be Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea, and Vice Admiral Craig S. Faller, USN, to be Admiral, and to be Commander, United States Southern Command.

Energy and Natural Resources
Hearings to examine the Department of Energy's efforts in the field of quantum information science.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine the Every Student Succeeds Act, focusing on states leading the way.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security
Hearings to examine health care in rural America, focusing on experiences and costs.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate begins consideration of the nomination of Jackie Wolcott, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the rank of Ambassador, and her nomination to be Representative of the United States of America to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador, with a vote on confirmation of the nominations at 5:30 p.m.; to be immediately followed by a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on nomination of Peter A. Feldman, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for the remainder of the term expiring October 26, 2019, and his nomination for a term of seven years from October 27, 2019.

Congressional Outlook

Update on Hurricane Florence Relief: First Action Next Week

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Speaker Ryan Statement on Opioid Legislation

GOP, Dems Unite Behind Senate Bill Fighting Addictive Drugs

Senate approves $854B spending bill

Senate approves Pentagon funding bill, puts on-time budget within reach

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Kavanaugh Denies Allegations of Sexual Assault

Kavanaugh to Testify Against Sexual Assault Allegation

Kavanaugh ‘Anxious’ to Testify, Trump Says

Susan Collins: Kavanaugh and his accuser 'should both testify'

Senate judiciary chair says he's working to get to bottom of Kavanaugh allegations

Grassley announces Monday hearing to air Kavanaugh accusation

House Committee Schedule

Monday — September 17, 2018

"Historic Leasing in the National Park System: Assessing Challenges and Building on Successes"
Committee on Natural Resources

Source: House.gov

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine Fintech, focusing on digitization, data, and technology.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
Hearings to examine conflicts over ocean resources.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Hearings to examine the implications of the reinterpretation of the Flores settlement agreement for border security and illegal immigration incentives.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine reducing health care costs, focusing on how transparency can lower spending and empower patients.

Armed Services
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity
Closed hearings to examine interagency coordination in the protection of critical infrastructure.


Thursday, September 20, 2018

Energy and Natural Resources
Hearings to examine blackstart and other system restoration plans in the electric utility industry.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate begins consideration of H.R. 6, Support for Patients and Communities Act, and S. 2554, Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act, and votes on or in relation to amendments to, and passage of the bills, at 5:30 p.m.

Congressional Outlook

Committee

Potential Fiscal Year Move Sows Discord on Select Budget Panel

Brett Kavanaugh: Senate judiciary panel will vote this month

Amazon, Apple, others to testify before U.S. Senate on data privacy September 26

Republican chairman says U.S. should do more to hold Russia accountable

Trump-backed bill to repair national parks advances in the House

US House Panel Backs Bill to Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent


Floor Outlook

46 Republicans Call on Ryan, McCarthy to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act

Key Players in FAA Conference Negotiations

FAA Authorization Still Grounded in Senate

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

House votes to ban slaughter of dogs and cats for food

Senate confirms Charles Rettig as IRS commissioner

House votes to raise the profile of America's anti-Semitism envoy, a role Trump has yet to fill

House Passes America’s Water Infrastructure Act

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Kavanaugh Witnesses Frame Upcoming Confirmation Debate

Factbox: Kavanaugh's Supreme Court bid in hands of a few senators

Numbers Still Favor Kavanaugh's Confirmation to Supreme Court

Editorial: Republicans Can Win—But Only When They Try

Exclusive: More than 16,200 ads hit airwaves to sway Senate vote on Brett Kavanaugh

Kavanaugh Set to Advance Amid Democratic Objections

Brett Kavanaugh vote: Republicans block Democrats' demands for subpoenas, set date on Supreme Court nominee

Supreme Court justices condemn partisan treatment of nominee Brett Kavanaugh by senators

House Committee Schedule

Monday — September 10, 2018

The Federal Columbia River Power System: The Economic Lifeblood & Way of Life for the Pacific Northwest.
Committee on Natural Resources

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH
On Monday, no votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
On Tuesday, no votes are expected in the House.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 6198 – Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Dan Donovan / Homeland Security Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine countering Russia, focusing on assessing new tools.

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
To receive a briefing on race, rights, and politics, focusing on black and minority populations in Europe.

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
To receive a briefing on free-trade zones.

Senate Floor Schedule

Roll Call: The Senate returns on Wednesday and is scheduled to vote at 5:30 p.m. on a motion to cut off debate on the nomination of Charles P. Rettig to be commissioner of the IRS.

The Senate is also expected to consider legislation to address the opioid crisis, a vote on which could happen as soon as Thursday afternoon.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

After Fresh Cyberattacks, Experts Say Silicon Valley Showing Improved Response

U.S. Senate Intelligence chairman says threat on social media remains


Floor Outlook

Congressional Schedule Shows a Light Week Ahead

Speaker Ryan Discusses House Republican Agenda at Weekly Leadership Press Conference

Paul Ryan: House will vote this month to make individual tax cuts permanent

Ryan says U.S. House will vote in September on tax cuts, funding government

House could vote on new tax bill before Oct. 1: panel chairman

Senators Get Informal as FAA Deadline Nears

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Congress passes bill rolling back some tariffs

Dems force Senate shutdown to protest Kavanaugh hearing

Senate votes to advance Trump's pick for SEC commissioner

House passes bill that could boost deportation of criminal aliens

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Trump Supreme Court Nominee: An Umpire in Deciding Cases

Kavanaugh vows to keep open mind on the Supreme Court

'I will do equal right to the poor and to the rich': Brett Kavanaugh's remarks to the Senate committee

Nominee Brett Kavanaugh: ‘I Am a Pro-Law Judge’ 

Kavanaugh’s First Stand Was the Blandest Thing Since White Bread

Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh Defends Judicial Independence

Trump's Supreme Court pick vows independence, sidesteps questions

3 Takeaways From Brett Kavanaugh’s Testimony

Experts: Kavanaugh Would Not be Trump’s Justice on High Court

Trump High Court Nominee on Track as Senate Hearing Wraps Up

The Future of Money: Coins

Statement of David J. Ryder, Director, United States Mint, United States Department of the Treasury,

before the Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade: House Committee on Financial Services

“The Future of Money: Coins and Banknotes” — September 5, 2018

Chairman Barr, Ranking Member Moore, and Members of the Subcommittee, it is my honor to appear before you, and I thank you for the opportunity to testify during this hearing.

I look forward to updating you on the United States Mint’s progress as a first class manufacturer and an organization driven by the commitment to outstanding products and customer service. Today, my goal is to share the vision of the Mint’s operations and programs, discuss our circulating coins, alternative metals, bullion, and commemorative coin programs, and update you on our future endeavors.

During my nomination hearing, I discussed financial awareness education for our youth to improve our customer base, various technologies that will be analyzed as a way to improve the security of our coinage, and technologies to improve our operations. I plan to update you today on these initiatives, as well.

The Future of Money: Banknotes

Statement of Leonard R. Olijar, Director, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United States Department of the Treasury,

before the Financial Services Committee, Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade, United States House of Representatives — September 5, 2018

Good morning Chairman Barr, Ranking Member Moore, and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for inviting me to testify before you today about transformative initiatives underway at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).

As you know, the mission of the BEP is to develop and produce United States currency notes that are trusted worldwide. BEP’s vision is to maintain its position as a world-class securities printer, providing our customers and the public superior products through excellence in manufacturing and technological innovation.

Cash Demand

The demand for United States currency remains strong.

• There are now more than 42 billion notes in circulation, with a value of more than $1.7 trillion – more than ever before, and cash in circulation continues to grow almost 5% per year. 
• Approximately 7 billion notes have been ordered annually for the past decade. 
• According to the Government Accountability Office, “the volume of U.S. currency notes in circulation increased by 43 percent from 2008 to 2016.” 
• Up to two-thirds of the value of U.S. currency is held overseas, where United States’ currency remains the world’s currency. It is the most trusted international store of value, and serves as a hedge against uncertainties, natural disasters, and political turmoil. Any time there is political instability, the rush is on for United States currency. 
• Over the past several years, the frequency of cash use remained unchanged; approximately 32% of all transactions, and more than 50% of all transactions under $25 are done in cash, in spite of the availability of other forms of payment.

In the past five years, several small countries have set a goal of going cashless. However, more recently, they have recognized that a cashless society presents a significant economic risk and neglects to account for those who do not have access to smart phones, computers, banks and credit. I believe that 21st century warfare has a significant cyber component, and these countries are now recognizing the risk – if your enemy is able to take down your electronic infrastructure, or if a natural disaster hits, there will be no way to conduct commerce in a cashless environment, and the economy will be crippled. With respect to access to financial institutions, seven percent of U.S. households are unbanked, and almost twenty percent are underbanked. As a result, over 45 million U.S. households do not have access to the payment systems that are used in lieu of cash. Like other nations, our duty to serve this portion of the population is a factor in slowing any move to a cashless economy.

House Committee Schedule

Tuesday — September 4, 2018

• H.R. 1635 — Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act;
• H.R. 4606 — Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov

Wednesday — September 5, 2018

The Future of Money: Coins and Banknotes
Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade (Committee on Financial Services)

Innovation in Surface Transportation
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)

Opportunities to Improve Health Care
Subcommittee on Health (Committee on Energy and Commerce)

Reusable Medical Equipment: Continuing to Examine VHAs Sterile Processing Problems.
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (Committee on Veterans' Affairs)

On-The-Job: Rebuilding the Workforce Through Apprenticeships.
Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development (Committee on Education and the Workforce)

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4312, H.R. 6409, and H.R. 6420.
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (Committee on Veterans' Affairs)

Twitter: Transparency and Accountability
Committee on Energy and Commerce

House Floor Schedule

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD
On Monday, no votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 6439 – Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018 (Sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul / Homeland Security Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Judiciary
Hearings to examine the nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.


Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Intelligence
Hearings to examine foreign influence operations' use of social media platforms.

Joint Conference Committee
Meeting of conferees on H.R. 2, to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Tuesday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Elad L. Roisman, of Maine, to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination at 5:30 p.m.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

FBI agent told House task force the bureau leaked stories to obtain FISA warrants

Inhofe Armed Services Leadership to Depart Drastically From McCain’s

Pushback to reports on FBI agent telling lawmakers the bureau leaked stories to obtain FISA warrant

Here’s All the Republicans Jockeying for Committee Leadership Positions (So Far)

John Dean of Watergate Fame to Testify at Kavanaugh Hearing


Floor Outlook

House hopes to tame student loan crisis with financial literacy bill

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Senate confirms Trump nominee Richard Clarida as Fed vice chairman

Senate cuts work week short after nominations deal