With President Donald Trump’s inauguration now finished, the Senate will return to work this week confirming key roles in his new administration.
On Tuesday, Senate committees will hold a pair of confirmation hearings postponed last week: Former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins to serve as the next Veterans Affairs secretary and current New York Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Throughout the week, lawmakers are expected to hold committee and full-chamber votes on various nominees, including Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and his pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio.
On Thursday, the Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Army Secretary nominee Daniel Driscoll, the first of Trump’s service secretary picks to be questioned by lawmakers. Other key Pentagon and Veterans Affairs spots will be debated this month and next.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 10 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Collins Nomination
The committee will consider the nomination of Doug Collins to serve as Veterans Affairs secretary.
Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Stefanik Nomination
The committee will consider the nomination of Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
House Veterans’ Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — 360 Cannon
Community Care
Department officials will testify on veterans’ access to private sector care options through VA’s community care program.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2172 Rayburn
Committee Organization
The committee will adopt rules and policies for the upcoming session.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Driscoll Nomination
The committee will consider the nomination of Daniel Driscoll to serve as secretary of the Army.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 1:15 p.m. — 360 Cannon
Veterans’ Firearm Rights
Department officials will testify on veterans’ second amendment rights and the potential impact of department policies on those rights.
Friday, Jan. 24
Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 9 a.m. — 418 Russell
Collins Nomination
The committee will vote on the nomination of Doug Collins to serve as Veterans Affairs secretary.
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.
