The Atlantic Council hosted a discussion on Zapad 17, the Russian-led military exercise in and around the Baltic Sea slated to begin in mid-September 2017. Military and government leaders from Estonia, Norway, and the U.S. discussed the mechanics and broader implications of the exercises, both for the NATO alliance and Russia's broader military ambitions.
The Alliance for Health Reform held a panel discussion on the future of the Medicaid program as Republicans push their agenda to repeal and replace the health care law. Experts on the panel included those who've helped manage the program at either the federal or the state level.
State officials testify before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations about efforts to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Schumer criticizes health care replacement, saying GOP is running from its own bill. Says even some conservative groups oppose Cruz Amendment. Also net neutrality, will oppose Trump efforts to dismantle it.
Schumer criticizes health care replacement, saying GOP is running from its own bill. Says even some conservative groups oppose Cruz Amendment. Also net neutrality, will oppose Trump efforts to dismantle it.
Christopher Wray, President Trump's nominee to be the next FBI Director, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. He faced tough questions from both Republicans and Democrats on whether he will maintain the bureau's independence. Mr. Wray denied being asked to give a loyalty oath to President Trump vowing only to the loyal to the Constitution and the rule of law. He also directly disputed President Trump's assertion that the Russia investigation is a witch hunt.
A Senate subcommittee examined the issue of visa overstays and the national security implications. Members heard from representatives from various divisions within the Homeland Security Department who discussed some of the pilot programs utilizing advanced technology to address the issue. Also testifying was the Homeland Security Department's inspector general who talked about some of the technological barriers preventing officials from tracking those who overstay their visas. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration.
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism held a hearing to consider past investigations by the legislative and executive branches in light of current investigations into Russia and the 2016 elections. Senators asked questions of and sought advice from legal scholars and attorneys involved in past special investigations. Among the witnesses was Richard Ben-Veniste, who was involved in the investigations of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s and the Whitewater controversy in the 1990s. He was also a member of the 9/11 Commission, which did its work from 2002 to 2004.
The Federalist Society held a panel discussion on the constitutional war powers of the executive and legislative branches. Panelists included former Rep. Mickey Edwards, R-OK and former Chief Assistant New York U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy. They outlined the constitutional war powers for each branch of government, the limitations of that power and whether Congress should be more involved in the authorization for use of military force.
A Senate subcommittee examined the issue of visa overstays and the national security implications. Members heard from representatives from various divisions within the Homeland Security Department who discussed some of the pilot programs utilizing advanced technology to address the issue. Also testifying was the Homeland Security Department's inspector general who talked about some of the technological barriers preventing officials from tracking those who overstay their visas. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration.
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen hinted that the board could begin to unwind its balance sheet this year but stressed to lawmakers that this is dependent on economic conditions and data. Her comments came in testimony before the House Financial Services Committee. Nearing the end of her term at the central bank, Chair Yellen said that if the president were to call her about potentially staying on for a second term, it is a conversation she would have with him. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) chairs the committee while Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) serves as the ranking member.
