WASHINGTON WEEK AHEAD - dc policy weekahead

DRIVING THE WEEK:

The House and Senate are in session this week.

The House will vote on the Senate banking deregulation bill, S. 2155, tomorrow with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi making a last-minute appeal to Democrats to oppose the bill. Republican leadership is confident they have the votes to pass the measure and send the bill to President Trump’s desk.

The House Rules Committee is set to meet today and tomorrow to decide which amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act will get a floor vote. The House is expected to take up the legislation later in the week.

Primaries will be held tomorrow in Arkansas, Georgia and Kentucky, and Texas will hold primary runoffs, to nominate candidates for the November elections.

NAFTA talks stalled with Speaker Paul Ryan’s May 17th deadline coming and going last week. Administration officials remain committed to reaching a deal – this year or next - according to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin: "President Donald Trump is more interested in striking a good deal with Canada and Mexico, than quickly finishing NAFTA talks to get a vote in Congress this year.”  The odds for passing NAFTA in this Congress under Republican control are higher –with increasing risk next year in the event the Democrats take over the House or Senate this fall.

President Trump spoke late Saturday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in amid increasing concerns in the White House that Pyongyang is not serious about reaching a deal on denuclearization. President Moon will meet with Trump in Washington tomorrow - with Trump publicly remaining committed to attending the June 12 summit in Singapore, but is privately raising doubts with this inner circle about the risks given recent developments.

Tariff tensions were relieved (for the time being) over the weekend with the U.S. and China agreeing to de-escalate existing trade disputes - with commitments from China to increased purchases of American products narrowing the trade gap and measures aimed at enabling U.S companies to operate more easily in China. No mention of details on a path forward for controversial Chinese company ZTE.

The House failed to pass the farm bill on Friday as several members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus members voted no in protest of the lack of an immediate action on immigration. The legislation - which included more stringent work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - failed, 198-213, with 30 Republicans joining all Democrats in voting it down.  Freedom Caucus members are demanding a vote on a conservative immigration bill rebuffing assurances by Speaker Ryan that votes on a controlled series of immigration bills will take place in June. Republican leaders said the farm bill will be taken up again later this summer.

The House is set to vote on Senate-passed legislation, known as "right to try," that would make it easier for patients to access experimental drugs.

REPLAY | INSIGHT INTO CHINA WITH FORMER AMBASSADOR/U.S. SENATOR MAX BAUCUS:Listen to the 45-minute update on U.S-Sino talks amid growing trade tensions - and potential deals - between the two superpowers here.

REPLAY | KOREA AND IRAN AND THE DYNAMIC U.S. SECURITY ENVIRONMENT: General Emo Gardner and one of the nation's top current strategic policy experts and former senior DoD official Jim Miller discuss the scenarios at play. Catch the replay here.

Monday, May 21, 2018

HOUSE:

Hearing: H.R. 5515National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 General Debate; S. 2155Economic Growth Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act; S. 204Trickett Wendler Frank Mongiello Jordan McLinn and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2017

5:00 PM | H-313 CAPITOL

Host: Committee on Rules

SENATE:

Armed Services: Subcommittee on Airland Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

HOUSE:

Hearing: DOE Modernization: Legislation Addressing Development Regulation and Competitiveness of Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies

10:00 AM | 2123 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Energy

Hearing: “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education”

10:00 AM

Host: Committee on Education and the Workforce | Full Committee

Markup: Full Committee Markup - Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

10:00 AM | 2118 Rayburn

Host: Committee on Appropriations | Full Committee

Hearing: Oversight of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

10:00 AM | 2141 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on the Judiciary

Hearing: Advancing Effective Conservation Policy Worldwide: Successes Challenges and Next Steps

10:00 AM | 2172 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs

Markup: H.R. 4819

10:00 AM | 2172 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs

Markup: Markup of H.R. 4439, H.R. 5735, H.R. 5749, H.R. 5793, and H.R. 5841

10:00 AM | 2128 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Financial Services | Full Committee

Hearing: Ten Years of TARP: Examining the Hardest Hit Fund

10:00 AM | 2154 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform | Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Hearing: Empowering U.S. Veterans Through Technology

10:00 AM | 2318 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology | Subcommittee on Research and Technology

Hearing: FAST Act Implementation: Motor Carrier Provisions

10:00 AM

Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure | Washington, D.C.

Hearing: CIA Subcommittee Hearing: Ongoing Intelligence Activities closed

10:00 AM | HVC-304 CAPITOL

Host: House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence | Subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency

Hearing: Internet of Things Legislation

10:15 AM | 2322 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection

Hearing: Challenges to the Freedom of Speech on College Campuses: Part II

2:00 PM | 2154 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform | Subcommittee on Healthcare, Benefits, and Administrative Rules

Hearing: Geopolitics of U.S. Oil and Gas Competitiveness

2:00 PM | 2200 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade

Hearing: Legislative Hearing on Three Federal Land Bills

2:00 PM | 1324 Longworth House Office Building

Host: Committee on Natural Resources

Hearing: Stopping the Daily Border Caravan: Time to Build a Policy Wall.

2:00 PM | HVC-210 CAPITOL

Host: Committee on Homeland Security | Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security

Hearing: H.R. 5515National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 Amendment Consideration

3:00 PM | H-313 CAPITOL

Host: Committee on Rules

SENATE:

Armed Services: Subcommittee on SeaPower

Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of the Treasury.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Business meeting to consider S.2098, to modernize and strengthen the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to more effectively guard against the risk to the national security of the United States posed by certain types of foreign investment.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Business meeting to consider S.2848, to improve Department of Transportation controlled substances and alcohol testing, S.2842, to prohibit the marketing of bogus opioid treatment programs or products, S.2844, to require the Surface Transportation Board to implement certain recommendations of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation, S.2764, to amend and enhance the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to improve the conservation of sharks, S.1092, to protect the right of law-abiding citizens to transport knives interstate, notwithstanding a patchwork of local and State prohibitions, S.2418, to direct the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations that establish a national standard for determining whether mobile and broadband services available in rural areas are reasonably comparable to those services provided in urban areas, the nominations of Heidi R. King, of California, to be Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, Joseph Ryan Gruters, of Florida, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors, Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board, and routine lists in the Coast Guard.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Hearings to examine the healthcare workforce, focusing on addressing shortages and improving care.

Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Business meeting to markup an original bill entitled, "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019".

Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Foreign Relations Business meeting to consider S.2269, to reauthorize the Global Food Security Act of 2016 for 5 additional years, S.Res.386, urging the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fulfill its agreement to hold credible elections, comply with constitutional limits on presidential terms, and fulfill its constitutional mandate for a democratic transition of power by taking concrete and measurable steps towards holding elections not later than December 2018 as outlined in the existing election calendar, and allowing for freedom of expression and association, S.J.Res.58, to require certifications regarding actions by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, and the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled, done at Marrakesh on June 27, 2013 (Marrakesh Treaty) (Treaty Doc.114-06).

Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Business meeting to markup an original bill entitled, "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019".

Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel Business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security Hearings to examine preventing abuse in Olympic and amateur athletics, focusing on ensuring a safe and secure environment for our athletes.

Joint Economic Committee Hearings to examine breaking through the regulatory barrier, focusing on what red tape means for the innovation economy.

Armed Services: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

HOUSE:

Hearing: Strengthening American Diplomacy: Reviewing the State Departments Budget Operations and Policy Priorities

9:00 AM | 2172 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs

Hearing: Hearing entitled “Legislative Proposals to Help Fuel Capital and Growth on Main Street”

10:00 AM | 2128 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Financial Services | Subcommittee on Capital Markets

Hearing: The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act FITARA Scorecard 6.0

10:00 AM | 2154 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform | Subcommittee on Information Technology

Hearing: THE FEDERAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION REFORM ACT (FITARA) SCORECARD 6.0

10:00 AM | 2154 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform | Subcommittee on Information Technology

Markup: Full Committee Markup - FY 2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill and FY 2019 Report on the Suballocation of Budget Allocations (302(b)s)

10:00 AM | 2118 Rayburn

Host: Committee on Appropriations | Full Committee

Hearing: “Regulatory Reform: Unleashing Economic Opportunity for Workers and Employers”

10:00 AM

Host: Committee on Education and the Workforce | Subcommittee on Workforce Protections

Hearing: Examining the Olympic Communitys Ability to Protect Athletes from Sexual Abuse

10:00 AM | 2123 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Markup: Full Committee Markup

10:15 AM | 1324 Longworth House Office Building

Host: Committee on Natural Resources | Full Committee

Hearing: Hearing entitled “The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on the Future of Insurance”

2:00 PM | 2128 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Financial Services | Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance

Hearing: Asia's Diplomatic and Security Structure: Planning U.S. Engagement

2:00 PM | 2200 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific

Hearing: Chinese Investment and Influence in Europe

2:00 PM | 2255 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats

Hearing: Combatting Transnational Criminal Threats in the Western Hemisphere

2:00 PM | 2172 Rayburn HOB

Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere

SENATE:

Appropriations: Subcommittee on Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service.

Armed Services Closed business meeting to markup the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Hearings to examine the status of the housing finance system.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Business meeting to consider S.2852, to reauthorize certain programs under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act.

Judiciary Hearings to examine pending nominations.

Budget Hearings to examine the Government Accountability Office's annual report on additional opportunities to reduce fragmentation, overlap, and duplication in the Federal government.

Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearings to examine the nominations of Emory A. Rounds III, of Maine, to be Director of the Office of Government Ethics, Kelly Higashi, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and Frederick M. Nutt, of Virginia, to be Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, Office of Management and Budget.

Judiciary: Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration Hearings to examine the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and exploited loopholes affecting unaccompanied alien children.

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2018

SENATE:

Finance Hearings to examine rural health care in America, focusing on challenges and opportunities.

Armed Services Closed business meeting to continue to markup the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Hearings to examine cybersecurity, focusing on risks to the financial services industry and its preparedness.

Foreign Relations Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of State.

Judiciary Business meeting to consider pending calendar business.

Appropriations Business meeting to markup an original bill entitled, "Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2019", an original bill entitled, "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019", and to consider 302(b) subcommittee allocations of budget outlays and new budget authority allocated to the committee in H.Con.Res.71, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.

Friday, May 25, 2018

SENATE:

Armed Services Closed business meeting to continue to markup the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.