WASHINGTON — President Trump delivers his first formal address to Congress on Tuesday after a tumultuous first month in office that has largely steered away from direct work with lawmakers.
Most of his major moves so far — a crackdown on illegal immigration, a ban on travel from several nations overseas, a federal hiring freeze — have been conducted through executive orders, without approval from Congress.
But Republican leaders in both the House and Senate have said they’re looking forward to working closely with the new president on rebuilding the military, strengthening national security and reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs. Expect those topics to get at least a mention in his address.
Throughout the week, major veterans groups will be meeting with congressional leaders and testifying before the veterans’ affairs committees on their priorities for the upcoming year, while defense committees on Capitol Hill resume their normal schedule of oversight work into a variety of military missions and challenges.
Monday
House Veterans’ Affairs — 3:30 p.m. — Cannon 334
Drug diversion
VA officials will testify before the committee on reports of drug diversion problems at department facilities and plans to strengthen supply chain security.
Tuesday
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419
Iraq
Outside experts testify on the future of Iraq after recent military operations to combat Islamic State strongholds.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2200
Western Hemisphere
Outside experts will testify before the committee on security threats and opportunities facing America in the Western Hemisphere.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
China
Outside experts will testify before the committee on China’s maritime push and the ramifications for American security.
House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 2 p.m. — Dirksen G50
DAV
Officials from Disabled American Veterans testify before a joint hearing of the congressional veterans committees on their legislative priorities for the year.
House Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — Rayburn 2118
Intelligence reports
The acting Defense Department inspector general and other top intelligence officials will testify before the committee on allegations surrounding mishandling of intelligence reports related to overseas combat efforts.
Wednesday
House Appropriations — 9:30 a.m. — Rayburn 2008
Members’ suggestions
The subcommittee on homeland security will hear from House members on their priorities for the upcoming budget cycle.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Cyberwarfare
The committee will hear from outside experts on cyberwarfare dangers and strategic plans for a U.S. response.
House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 10 a.m. — Dirksen G50
American Legion
Officials from the American Legion testify before a joint hearing of the congressional veterans committees on their legislative priorities for the year.
Senate Armed Services — 10 a.m. — Visitors Center S217
Closed briefing
Committee members will hear from military experts on global counterterrorism issues.
House Government Reform — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2154
VA reform
Officials will hear from department officials on plans for reform at the department.
House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 2 p.m. — Dirksen G50
VFW
Officials from the Veterans of Foreign Wars testify before a joint hearing of the congressional veterans committees on their legislative priorities for the year.
House Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — Rayburn 2212
Ground forces
The committee will hear from outside experts on U.S. ground force capability and modernization challenges in Eastern Europe.
Thursday
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — Hart 216
Cyber policy
Outside experts, including retired Gen. Keith Alexander, will testify before the committee on cyber strategy plans for the nation and potential policy changes.
House Armed Services — 10:30 a.m. — Rayburn 2118
Military review boards
Officials with the service review boards will testify about military personnel dismissals and plans for reforms.
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.
This week in Congress: Trump visits Capitol Hill
