Congress returns from its summer recess with a full slate of Iran-related events and plenty of questions about the month ahead.
Both the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees will discuss the Iran nuclear deal again this week, in advance of an anticipated congressional vote of disapproval later this month. Numerous lawmakers also will attend a rally on the National Mall opposing the deal on Sept. 8.
Behind the scenes, House and Senate negotiators continue work on finalizing the annual defense authorization bill, in hopes of finding a compromise before the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30.
And even with positive news about veterans unemployment in August, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee will look into continued issues related to the difficulties some service members have in trying to find civilian jobs after leaving the ranks.
Tuesday
House Homeland Security — 9 a.m. — New York City
Field hearing
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and officials from the Sept. 11 Families Association will discuss terrorism trends and threats with committee members.
Wednesday
House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — Rayburn 2172
Iran nuclear agreement
The committee holds its fourth hearing on the Iranian nuclear deal details, this time with testimony from retired Adm. William Fallon, former commander of U.S. Central Command, and retired Air Force Gen. Chuck Wald, former deputy commander of U.S. European Command.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2212
Long-range strike systems
The subcommittee on seapower will discuss the future of Air Force long-range strike capabilities with outside experts.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2200
Cuba
Committee members will discuss agricultural trade and regional security issues concerning Cuba.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
Water shortages
The subcommittee on emerging threats will discuss water security issues and the roles they play in regional conflicts with international ramifications.
Thursday
House Armed Services — 8 a.m. — Rayburn 2212
Fleet Response Plan
The subcommittee on readiness will discuss the Optimized Fleet Response Plan with the Navy's director of fleet readiness.
House Veterans' Affairs — 2 p.m. — Cannon 334
Credentialing
The subcommittee on economic opportunity will review licensing and credentialing standards for troops and veterans, to evaluate what barriers to civilian employment still exist.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172
China
The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will discuss recent Chinese partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the potential impact for U.S. regional strategies.
House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2118
Iran nuclear deal
The committee will discuss the Iran nuclear deal's implications for missile defense with National Nuclear Security Administration and Pentagon officials.
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. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
