Congressional Outlook

Committee Outlook

Lindsey Graham Invites Rudy Giuliani to Testify About Recent Ukraine Trip in Senate

Lindsey Graham: ‘Loves’ Joe Biden, But ‘None of Us Are Above Scrutiny,’ Begins Investigation

Lindsay Graham: FISA Reform Will Be Top Priority for Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020


House Outlook

Nancy Pelosi Again Won’t Commit to Sending Articles of Impeachment to Senate

Legal Expert: Pelosi’s Move to Withhold Articles of Impeachment From Senate a ‘Grave Injustice’

Graham: Pelosi Withholding Impeachment Articles Is a ‘Constitutional Crisis’

Democrat’s Impeachment Lawyer Says Trump Not Impeached If Pelosi Sits On Articles Of Impeachment

Congress Last Week

National Security

2020 NDAA includes a pay raise for military members, and proposals to hold China and Venezuela accountable

Trump Signs Defense Policy Bill That Establishes Space Force, Addresses China Threat


Foreign Policy

Federal funding bill includes bipartisan measures aimed at assisting Venezuelans

Bills to Counter China, Protect the Homeland Pass in Appropriations Package

Senate reaches compromise on religious freedom watchdog funding

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Address Emerging Challenges Facing Tibetans


Immigration

U.S. citizenship path for thousands of Liberians tucked in spending bill


Trade

Mexico Objects to USMCA Provision but Says the Trade Deal is Still ‘Intact’


Tax Policy

Congress nears repeal of tax on churches


Federal Spending

FY 2020 appropriations bills support life by maintaining all existing pro-life protections

Rep. Rob Wittman: Domestic spending appropriations bill expands ACA abortion funding

Sen. Bob Menendez: VERDAD Act on Venezuela has been included in the final appropriations package which reaffirms US support for the Venezuelan people and Interim-President Juan Guaidó and expands strategic pressure on the Maduro regime.

Sen. Bob Menendez: Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act has been included in the final appropriations package which strengthens our bonds of friendship through joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security for our nations.

‘They’re spending crazy’: Levin on Congress’ budget deal

Year-End Spending Deal Includes Massive Bailout for Bankrupt Mine Workers Union Pension

Census effort gets $7.6 billion

Trump Signs Bipartisan Deal Mandating $255 Million in Funding for Historically Black Colleges


Executive

Senator Kennedy Asks Trump to Declassify Carter Page FISA Applications

Comey Admits He Was Wrong for Defending FBI’s FISA Process After IG Report, Gowdy responds

Barr: ‘Simply Not True’ That Comey Didn’t Have Role in FBI’s Trump Campaign Investigation

IG Michael Horowitz: ‘Text Messages’ Contained Evidence of ‘Political Bias’ at FBI

Majority Says Top Fed Cops Broke Law to Block Trump, Should be Jailed or Fired

CNN Sides With Trump After 2 Democrats Misquoted Ukraine Call During Impeachment Markup Session

House Judiciary Committee Releases Report, Explains Articles of Impeachment

Rep. Schiff: • Insists Impeachment ‘Isn’t a Failure’ Despite Past Comments, • Claims He Was ‘Unaware Of’ FBI’s Abuse of FISA System in Surveilling Trump Aide

Rep. Steve Watkins: H.Res. 764 that supports executive order combating anti-Semitism


Justice

Congress Poised to Pass Bill Lowering Barriers to Work for Ex-Offenders


Health Care Policy

AOC complains about having too many Obamacare plan options. Many Americans have faced a much different problem.

H.Con.Res.79: Expressing the sense of the Congress that assisted suicide (sometimes referred to using other terms) puts everyone, including those most vulnerable, at risk of deadly harm.

Legislation Introduced to Stop Expansion of Dangerous Abortion Drugs

Senator Lankford Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Moms and Babies from Abortion

Medical Abortions Four Times as Risky as Surgical

New Trump rule will require Obamacare insurers to bill separately for abortion


Congress

Democrats Spent $3 Million on Impeachment Inquiry: Heritage Foundation

Judicial Watch Sues Schiff for Documents Related to Release of Giuliani, Nunes Call Records

House Ethics Committee Reproves Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers For ‘Misuse of Official Resources’

Life-related policy in FY 2020 spending bills

The spending bills for FY 2020 spending bills are H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865. Policy provisions include:

Rejects Shaheen Amendment—The final FY2020 State/Foreign Operations (SFOPS) bill maintains current law on abortion/contraception, rejecting Sen. Shaheen’s anti-life amendment—added at committee-- that increased funding for family planning/reproductive health (FP/RH) by $57.55 million. These funds would have gone to pro-abortion US NGOs exempt from PLGHA - while also providing enforcement for an Obama-era regulation aimed at driving out faith-based providers.

Rejects House’s Anti-Life Riders—The final FY2020 LaborHHS, SFOPS, and Financial Services bills reject all anti-life riders in the House’s partisan appropriations bills—including undermining the Trump Administration’s Title X Protect Life rule, Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA), conscience rule, and abortion fetal tissue policy, as well as funding abortions in D.C. . These riders were specifically opposed as anti-life poison pills that violate the budget deal by 26 Senators, in a Senate Pro-Life Caucus-led letter to President Trump.

Keeps the Senate Majority and Pres. Trump’s Pro-Life Promises—The FY2020 bills make good on the Senate Pro-Life Caucus-led letter to President Trump – signed by 49 senators- on protecting life in spending bills—to which Trump responded by pledging to veto any bill that undermines Federal pro-life policy.

Anti-life report language eliminated—Anti-life report language was rejected that would have added abortion into human rights reports, undermined the State Department’s Kemp-Kasten determination for UNFPA, integrated FP/RH into women’s economic empowerment programs, and undermined USAID’s administration of family planning programs internationally.

Preserves Longstanding Pro-Life Protections—The 12 spending bills preserve all longstanding pro-life protections like the Hyde Amendment:

House Committee Schedule

Monday — December 16, 2019

• H.R. 5377 — Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov


Tuesday — December 17, 2019

• H. Res. 755 — Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Committee on Rules

House Floor Schedule

From the floor colloquy:

As Members know, the current continuing resolution expires on December 20. The House will consider some appropriation measures.  Hopefully, and my expectation is, they are making progress in the Appropriations Committee on coming to a resolution on the 12 appropriation bills. It is my hope that we will consider those appropriation bills on the floor on Tuesday, perhaps a series of minibus packages to fund all of government for the remainder of the fiscal year. I would urge all of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to do everything they can in the next 24 hours, frankly, to bring this matter to a close and agreement so that the staff will have an opportunity to put the bills together for consideration next week.

This week, negotiators were able to reach an agreement on a new trade agreement. The Republican whip has been asking me about that agreement.  I have assured him we wanted to get to yes, and we have gotten to yes.  We are pleased at that, this trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. It is possible that the USMCA trade agreement could be brought to the floor next week. …

This week, the House Judiciary Committee began markup, as the House knows and the country knows, of two Articles of Impeachment. Following committee action on these articles, the Judiciary Committee will make a recommendation to the full House of Representatives. We will determine a path forward on the floor following that recommendation.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, as is always the case in the last week, at least the last scheduled week of a session, there may well be other pieces of legislation that will ripen for consideration and that may well be considered next week. We will announce those as soon as we know which, if any, bills qualify for that treatment.

Senate Committee Schedule

Monday, December 16, 2019

Rules and Administration
Business meeting to consider the nomination of J. Brett Blanton, of Virginia, to be Architect of the Capitol.


Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Judiciary
Hearings to examine tackling the opioid crisis, focusing on a whole-of-government approach.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the conference report to accompany S. 1790, National Defense Authorization Act, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

DOJ Watchdog Testifies in Congress About Report on Surveillance of Trump Campaign

Senate Banking Chairman Blocks Election-Meddling Bill

House Judiciary Committee Releases Report, Approves Articles of Impeachment Against Trump

Education Secretary Defends Student Debt Relief Plan


Floor Outlook

Dems impeachment drive hurtling toward House vote; the Rules are different in a Senate trial

House Could Vote on Articles of Impeachment Next Week

House meeting in pro forma session Saturday to enable impeachment floor vote Wednesday

Democrats Expecting Defections on Articles of Impeachment Vote

House Democrats Give Green Light For Trump’s USMCA Deal

Senate Majority Leader Says US-Mexico-Canada Trade Deal Won’t be Taken Up This Year

Lawmakers Reach Deal on Defense Bill, Establishing US Space Force

Senate Could Start Impeachment Trial Against Trump in January: Majority Leader

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

House Passes Bill Aimed at Lowering Drug Prices, Trump threatens to veto

House Approves Bill Giving Some Illegal Immigrant Farmworkers Amnesty

Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Recognizing Armenian Genocide

Senate Confirms Hunter-Friendly Candidate to Oversee Wildlife Management

House Committee Schedule

Monday — December 9, 2019

The Impeachment Inquiry into President Donald J. Trump: Presentations from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Judiciary Committee
Committee on the Judiciary

• H.R. 729 — Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act [Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act]
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

From the floor colloquy:

The House will consider H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This legislation would lower prescription drug costs for every American, as well as level the playing field for American patients and taxpayers. Last year, House Democrats promised to lower healthcare costs by lowering the price of prescription drugs for the people, and we are proud to deliver on that promise this coming week.

In addition, Madam Speaker, the House will consider H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act. This bill is a package of bipartisan legislation that protects vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities impacted by the climate crisis.

Lastly, it is possible the House will consider the NDAA conference report.

Other legislation is possible, as well, as we come to the close of this first session of the Congress of the United States.

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Business meeting to consider the nominations of
Mitchell A. Silk, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury,
Brian D. Montgomery, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary, and
David Carey Woll, Jr., of Connecticut, and
John Bobbitt, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
Peter J. Coniglio, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Export-Import Bank;
to be immediately followed by an oversight hearing to examine the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Energy and Natural Resources
Hearings to examine the upcoming implementation of the International Maritime Organization's new global sulfur standard for marine fuels, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2020.

Judiciary
Hearings to examine encryption and lawful access, focusing on evaluating benefits and risks to public safety and privacy.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Patrick J. Bumatay, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

House approves Democratic impeachment report in party-line vote

House Judiciary Committee Votes Down Calling up Whisteblower in Impeachment Hearing

House Announces Monday Judiciary Hearing to Hear Evidence on Trump Impeachment

'Medicare for All' to get its day in House commerce panel (Tuesday, 12/10)

FAA chief to testify at Dec. 11 U.S. House hearing on grounded Boeing 737 MAX


Floor Outlook

Prescription drug pricing bill vote in the House on Wednesday

Sen. Cornyn: Dems’ Broken Promises, Impeachment Threaten to Deadlock Budget at End of Year

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Senate Confirms Dan Brouillette as New Secretary of Energy

Senate Confirmed Four Federal Judges, including pro-life lawyer Sarah Pitlyk

U.S. House approves Uighur bill demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials

Israel resolution included amendment affirming US commitment to military aid

House Committee Schedule

Monday — December 2, 2019

"Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel and Trade at America's Land Ports of Entry"
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability (Committee on Homeland Security)

Source: House.gov


Tuesday — December 3, 2019

• H.R. 2534 — Insider Trading Prohibition Act;
• H. Res. 326 — Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-state solution.
Committee on Rules

Full Committee Business Meeting: Consideration of the Report Issued by the Chair
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
On Monday, no votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
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.Res. 517 – Supporting the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and its Sixth Replenishment, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Eliot Engel / Foreign Affairs Committee)

2) H.R. 3460 – End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith / Foreign Affairs Committee)

3) S. 178 – UIGHUR Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio / Foreign Affairs Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Armed Services
Hearings to examine testimony from the Government Accountability Office on privatized housing findings to include responses from the military services on ongoing reports of substandard housing conditions and services.

Foreign Relations
Hearings to examine the future of United States policy towards Russia.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, to be Secretary of Energy, post-cloture, and votes on confirmation of the nomination at 5:30 p.m.

Following disposition of the Brouillette nomination, Senate votes on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Eric Ross Komitee, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Schiff Says Intel Committee Is Now Drafting Impeachment Report, Judiciary to Take Over

Trump invited to impeachment hearing next week

3 Senate Committees Now Investigating the Bidens and Ukraine

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record


Foreign Policy

Trump Receives Bipartisan Praise for Signing Bills Backing Hong Kong Protestors


Trade

Mexico Will Urge Pelosi to Move Forward With USMCA, President Says

Trump Urges Pelosi to Bring USMCA to a Vote, Pelosi Says Compromise Within Reach

USMCA Deal Has ‘Overwhelming Bipartisan Support,’ Lawmaker Says

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Senate panel approves Trump energy nominees Dan Brouillette and James Danly

Rep. Hurd Says Trump Call With Zelensky Was ‘Misguided’ but Not Impeachable


Floor Outlook

Blame game in standoff over Violence Against Women Act

Funding measure lasts until Friday before Christmas

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Senate passes Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

House passes temporary spending bill to stave off shutdown (until 12/20)

Congress clears stopgap bill to prevent government shutdown

Senate passes Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

After noting the urgency of the hour for Hong Kong, the Senate has passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (S. 1838).

Debate on the bill as recorded in the Congressional Record

Senate Unanimously Passes Hong Kong Bills

Senate passes legislation supporting Hong Kong protesters

Senate Passes Bill to Support Hong Kong Protesters

U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Measure Backing Hong Kong

Risch, Rubio, Cardin, Menendez Praise Senate Passage of Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

The Senate urgently needs to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

This year, Hong Kong has seen pro-freedom demonstrations against a breakdown of the 1997 agreement of “one country, two systems.” These have occurred every weekend for the past five months. Last week, they didn't stop at the end of the weekend.

As the situation has intensified and police brutality has increased against peaceful protesters (and the media), and some have felt they have been left with no choice but to mount a reciprocal response in defense of their campuses and homeland, US Senators felt a renewed sense of urgency to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (H.R. 3289/S. 1838).

House Committee Schedule

Tuesday — November 19, 2019

Impeachment Inquiry: Ms. Williams & Lt. Col. Vindman
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

FY2020 — Budget and U.S. - Africa Relations
Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations (Committee on Foreign Affairs)

18 bills pending before the full Committee, as approved by one of its five Legislative Subcommittees
Committee on Energy and Commerce

House Floor Schedule

Madam Speaker, we will consider several bills under suspension of the rules, including H.R. 4634, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, a very significant and very bipartisan bill. The complete list of suspension bills will be announced by the close of business today.

In addition, Madam Speaker, the House will be considering a continuing resolution through December 20 to keep the government open and operating on behalf of the American people. Madam Speaker, I am deeply disappointed by the Senate's failure to complete their work on appropriations, forcing us to consider another continuing resolution. This is evidence of failure, not of success. It is absolutely essential that we pass the CR to keep our government operating, but it is an indication that we have not gotten our business done as we should. I would remind House Members that we passed 96 percent of the funding of government by June 26 this year, or approximately 3 months before the end of the fiscal year, a little over 3 months. By the end of the fiscal year, the United States Senate had passed not a single appropriations bill. I am disappointed by that but recognize that passing a CR is absolutely essential. Rather than kick the can further down the road, however, we must use that time between now and December 20 to work on an agreement on 302(b) allocations, which will allow us to move appropriation bills done in line with the bipartisan budget caps agreement.

Lastly, Madam Speaker, the House will consider H.R. 1309, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. This bipartisan bill directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a standard requiring healthcare and social service employers to write and implement a workplace violence prevention plan to prevent and protect employees from violent incidents at work.

Senate Committee Schedule

Monday, November 18, 2019

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Peter Gaynor, of Rhode Island, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.

Rules and Administration
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Hugh Nathanial Halpern, of Virginia, to be Director of the Government Publishing Office.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Robert J. Luck, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, 11/14, Senate began consideration of the following:

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Robert J. Luck, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.
Pages S6596, S6614

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Barbara Lagoa, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.
Page S6596

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Adrian Zuckerman, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to Romania, Department of State.
Page S6596

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

2 Abortion-related hearings last week:

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing entitled, “Examining State Efforts to Undermine Access to Reproductive Health Care.” According to a memo from the Majority staff, the hearing was intended to focus on how state policies “restrict comprehensive health services” and it noted that “Missouri remains at risk of becoming the first state in the country without a single abortion provider.” Allie Stuckey testified as the sole minority witness. Several Member interactions were recorded.

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Rand Paul blocks Senate resolution backing protection for whistleblowers

Retirement bill blocked in Senate amid fight over amendments

House Committee Schedule

Tuesday — November 12, 2019

• H.R. 4863 — United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019
Committee on Rules

Markup of H.R. 1980
Committee on House Administration

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

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. 4625 – Protect the GI Bill Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Levin / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

2) H.R. 4477 – Reducing High Risk to Veterans and Veterans Services Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Pappas / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

3) H.R. 4771 – VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Cunningham / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Hearings to examine unprecedented migration at the United States southern border, focusing on the year in review.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine the response to lung illnesses and rising youth electronic cigarette use.

Judiciary
Hearings to examine pending nominations.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Chad F. Wolf, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Department of Homeland Security, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, 11/7, Senate began consideration of the following:

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Chad F. Wolf, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Department of Homeland Security.
Page S6465

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Steven J. Menashi, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
Pages S6465–69

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

‘Just Calm Down’: Sheila Jackson Lee Sparks Fiery Exchange During Immigration Hearing

Trump impeachment hearings to go public next week


Floor Outlook

House Republicans come out swinging against a full-year CR

Dems could vote on impeachment before Christmas
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has warned Democrats that they may need to stay in Washington longer than scheduled in December, so they can work on a government funding bill. But that could also give them more time to vote on articles of impeachment just before the holidays.

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Senate unanimously passes bill making 'animal crushing' a federal crime

House Committee Schedule

Thursday — November 7, 2019

Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on Mississippi Communities
Committee on Homeland Security

Source: House.gov

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Energy and Natural Resources
Hearings to examine the nominations of
James P. Danly, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Katharine MacGregor, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Subcommittee on Aviation and Space
Hearings to examine building NASAs workforce of the future, focusing on STEM engagement for a 21st century education.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Hearings to examine threats to the homeland.

Judiciary
Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism
Hearings to examine how corporations and Big Tech leave our data exposed to criminals, China, and other bad actors.

Intelligence
To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate meets in a pro forma session.

Thursday, 10/31, Senate began consideration of the following:

Senate began consideration of the nomination of David Austin Tapp, of Kentucky, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Page S6326

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Danielle J. Hunsaker, of Oregon, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
Page S6326

Senate began consideration of the nomination of William Joseph Nardini, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
Page S6327

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Lee Philip Rudofsky, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Page S6327

Senate began consideration of the nomination of Jennifer Philpott Wilson, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Page S6327

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Judiciary Committee and Nadler to regain control of impeachment

Intel panel Republicans press Vindman to identify whistleblower

DC Circuit Halts Disclosure Of Mueller Grand Jury Materials Just Hours Before Release

Democrats in Congress seek new terrorism commission

Pelosi: Public impeachment hearings likely in November

Boeing CEO takes bipartisan heat


Floor Outlook

The House approved an impeachment investigation. Now what?

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Senate passes transportation spending bill

Senate rejects Paul effort to cut spending

House recognizes and rebukes Armenian genocide in bipartisan vote

Only Susan Collins breaks GOP ranks on Democrat-led ACA resolution

House makes impeachment drive official

Why did two Democrats vote against their party's impeachment resolution?

House Committee Schedule

Monday — October 28, 2019

Tackling Human Trafficking: Assessing Federal, State and Local Information Sharing Efforts
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism (Committee on Homeland Security)

• H.R. 4695 Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act;
• H. Res. 296 Affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide.;
• H.R. 823 Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act;
• H.R. 1373 Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act;
• H.R. 2181 Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2019
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

The House will consider H.R. 823, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act; H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act; and H.R. 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act. These three bills all recognize the need to protect some of America's most iconic and important public lands.

The House, Mr. Speaker, will also consider H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act. This bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, provides a strong, targeted response to the crisis caused by Turkey's invasion of Northern Syria. It sanctions senior Turkish officials involved in the decision and those committing human rights abuses, and penalizes Turkish financial institutions involved in perpetuating President Erdogan's practices.

Lastly, the House will consider H.Res. 296 affirming the United States' record on the Armenian Genocide.

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Armed Services
Hearings to examine the nominations of
Lisa W. Hershman, of Indiana, to be Chief Management Officer,
Dana S. Deasy, of Virginia, to be Chief Information Officer, and
Robert John Sander, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Navy, all of the Department of Defense.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Hearings to examine aviation safety and the future of Boeing's 737 MAX.

Foreign Relations
Hearings to examine the nominations of
Roxanne Cabral, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
Robert S. Gilchrist, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania, and
Yuri Kim, of Guam, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Albania, all of the Department of State.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of H.R. 3055, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and votes on or in relation to Amendment No. 961, Amendment No. 1019, and Amendment No. 1067, at 5:30 p.m.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

'We've both been downrange': New generation of vets in Congress lead future-wars task force

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

U.S. House defeats Republican bid to censure Schiff in impeachment probe

Senate Democrats tried — and failed — to give a tax break to mostly wealthy people

House Committee Schedule

Monday — October 21, 2019

Harvesting the Digital Age: Connecting our Communities for a Better Future
Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (Committee on Small Business)

• H.R. 2513 — Corporate Transparency Act of 2019
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov


Tuesday — October 22, 2019

Markup of:
• H.R. 3398, the Pathways to Health Careers Act of 2019
• H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Act Now Act of 2019
• H.R. 4650, the Medicare Dental Act of 2019
• H.R. 4665, the Medicare Vision Act of 2019
• H.R. 4618, the Medicare Hearing Act of 2019
Committee on Ways and Means

The End of Affordable Housing? A Review of the Trump Administration's Plans to Change Housing Finance in America
Committee on Financial Services

Human Rights in South Asia: Views from the State Department and the Region, Panel I
Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation (Committee on Foreign Affairs)

House Floor Schedule

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21ST
On Monday, 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. 4406 – Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jared Golden / Small Business Committee)

2) H.R. 4405 – Women's Business Centers Improvements Act of 2019 (Sponsored by Rep. Sharice Davids / Small Business Committee)

3) H.R. 4407 – SCORE for Small Business Act of 2019 (Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Hern / Small Business Committee)

4) H.R. 4387 – To establish Growth Accelerator Fund Competition within the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Adriano Espaillat / Small Business Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
An oversight hearing to examine the status of the Consolidated Audit Trail.

Energy and Natural Resources
Hearings to examine international efforts to increase energy efficiency and opportunities to advance energy efficiency in the United States.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Hearings to examine the nominations of
Joshua A. Deahl, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals,
Deborah J. Israel and Andrea L. Hertzfeld, both to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and
Robert Anthony Dixon, to be United States Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Department of Justice.

Judiciary
Hearings to examine sanctuary jurisdictions, focusing on the impact on public safety and victims.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of the Republic of North Macedonia (Treaty Doc. 116–1), and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.


Thursday, 10/17, Senate began consideration of the following:

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Former Trump Russia adviser Fiona Hill, under subpoena, testifies before lawmakers conducting House impeachment inquiry

'These are not hearings. These are depositions': Democrats justify secret impeachment inquiry

Sheila Jackson Lee disagrees with Schiff on whistleblower: 'It is important for us to hear' the testimony

Cummings replacement: Carolyn Maloney named acting chairwoman of House Oversight committee

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

House passes trio of measures supporting Hong Kong protesters

U.S. House passes legislation taking hard line on China over Hong Kong, Huawei

Bipartisan House majority rebukes President Trump's actions on Syria with resolution

U.S. Senate fails to override Trump veto of bill to end border emergency

House Committee Schedule

Tuesday — October 15, 2019

"Preparing for 2020: How Illinois is Securing Elections"
Committee on Homeland Security

Addressing the Lead Crisis through Innovation & Technology
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight (Committee on Science, Space, and Technology)

• H.R. 1815 — SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Testing Act;
• H.R. 3624 — Outsourcing Accountability Act of 2019
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
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. 3289 – Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith / Foreign Affairs Committee)

2) H.R. 4270 – PROTECT Hong Kong Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jim McGovern / Foreign Affairs Committee)

3) H.Res. 543 – Recognizing Hong Kong's bilateral relationship with the United States, condemning the interference of the Peoples Republic of China in Hong Kongs affairs, and supporting the people of Hong Kongs right to protest, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Brad Sherman / Foreign Affairs Committee)

4) H.Res. 521 – Commending the Government of Canada for upholding the rule of law and expressing concern over actions by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China in response to a request from the United States Government of Canada for the extradition of a Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., executive (Sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul / Foreign Affairs Committee)

5) H.R. 95 – Homeless Veteran Families Act (Sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

6) H.R. 2385 – To permit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program (Sponsored by Rep. Conor Lamb / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

7) H.R. 1199 – VA Website Accessibility Act of 2019 (Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Luria / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

8) H.R. 2334 – To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Odessa, Texas, as the Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Conaway / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.


Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 3889 – ONDCP Technical Corrections Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Harley Rouda / Oversight and Reform Committee)

2) H.R. 1496 – Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jody Hice / Oversight and Reform Committee)

3) H.R. 1252 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6531 Van Nuys Boulevard in Van Nuys, California, as the “Marilyn Monroe Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Tony Crdenas / Oversight and Reform Committee)

4) H.R. 1253 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 13507 Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima, California, as the “Ritchie Valens Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Tony Crdenas / Oversight and Reform Committee)

5) H.R. 1833 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 35 Tulip Avenue in Floral Park, New York, as the “Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Rice / Oversight and Reform Committee)

6) H.R. 2151 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7722 South Main Street in Pine Plains, New York, as the “Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Antonio Delgado / Oversight and Reform Committee)

7) H.R. 2451 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 575 Dexter Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island, as the “Elizabeth Buffum Chace Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. David Cicilline / Oversight and Reform Committee)

8) H.R. 3144 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8520 Michigan Avenue in Whittier, California, as the “Jose Ramos Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Linda Snchez / Oversight and Reform Committee)

9) H.R. 3152 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the “Richard G. Lugar Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Andr Carson / Oversight and Reform Committee)

10) H.R. 3207 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 114 Mill Street in Hookstown, Pennslvania, as the “Staff Sergeant Dylan Elchin Post Office Building”, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Conor Lamb / Oversight and Reform Committee)

11) H.R. 3314 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1750 McCulloch Boulevard North in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, as the “Lake Havasu City Combat Veterans Memorial Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar / Oversight and Reform Committee)

12) H.R. 3329 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5186 Benito Street in Montclair, California, as the “Paul Eaton Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Norma Torres / Oversight and Reform Committee)

13) H.R. 1972 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 West Kent Avenue in Missoula, Montana, as the “Jeannette Rankin Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Greg Gianforte / Oversight and Reform Committee)

14) H.R. 887 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 877 East 1200 South in Orem, Utah, as the “Jerry C. Washburn Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. John Curtis / Oversight and Reform Committee)


H.R. 1815 – SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Testing Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Sean Casten / Financial Services Committee)

H.R. 3624 – Outsourcing Accountability Act of 2019 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Cindy Axne / Financial Services Committee)

Additional Legislative Items Are Possible

Senate Committee Schedule

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Intelligence
Closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters.


Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Aging
Hearings to examine fall prevention, focusing on national, state, and local solutions to better support seniors.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Hearings to examine feeding America, focusing on making sustainable offshore aquaculture a reality.

Environment and Public Works
Hearings to examine the impacts of diseases on wildlife conservation and management.

Foreign Relations
Hearings to examine United States-Iran policy.