Lawmakers have just one week left to reach a federal funding deal or trigger a partial government shutdown that would shutter some Defense Department and Veterans Affairs services.
Current federal funding runs out March 14, almost halfway through the current fiscal year. House Republicans in recent days have discussed the possibility of a six-month budget extension bill in lieu of a full-year budget for fiscal 2025, but it’s unclear if Senate Democrats would lend support to the idea.
If a shutdown occurs, troops and essential defense employees would be required to continue working, but their paychecks would be halted unless Congress passes legislation protecting those payments.
Non-essential programs — like base maintenance and family support programs — would be halted for the duration of a shutdown, as would some VA information lines and non-critical health services. Lawmakers are expected to spend most of the week trying to avoid those closures, and they hope to reach a deal before the Friday midnight deadline.
Tuesday, March 11
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Military Health System
Outside experts will testify on military health system combat readiness.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Capitol S-116
Pending Business
The committee will consider several pending bills.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — 2118 Rayburn
State of U.S. Shipbuilding
Outside experts will testify on the state of shipbuilding in America today.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:15 a.m. — 360 Cannon
Pending Legislation
The subcommittee on economic opportunity will consider several pending bills.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — 418 Russell
Pending Legislation
Senators will consider several pending bills.
House Appropriations — 10:30 a.m. — 2362-A Rayburn
Military Construction
Officials from the Army Corps of Engineers will testify on Innovative Techniques in Military Construction.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2200 Rayburn
Arms Control
Outside experts will testify on arms control priorities and reforms within the State Department.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 2:15 p.m. — 360 Cannon
Pending Legislation
The subcommittee on health will consider several pending bills.
Wednesday, March 12
House Foreign Affairs — 9 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn
Nigeria
Outside experts will testify on current conflicts in Nigeria.
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Joint Force Readiness
Service officials will testify on the current readiness of the joint force.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Capitol S-116
Pending Business
The committee will consider several pending bills.
Thursday, March 13
Senate Foreign Relations — 10:30 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will consider several nominations, including Peter Hoekstra to be ambassador to Canada.
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.
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