Will the government shut down or will it not, that is the question.
And while there may be a resolution to the issue this week, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) left open the possibility that the House may cancel its scheduled recess next week to deal with keeping the government funded and avoiding a debt default. As always here in procrastination nation (aka Washington, D.C.), it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. It will surely come down to the wire.
Meanwhile, in the midst of all that drama, this is a jam-packed week for issues your trusty Washington Legislative Office is actively engaged on. Without further delay, let’s jump right in.
Monday, September 16
Immigration: Representatives O’Rourke (D-Texas), Grijalva (D-Ariz.), and Vela (D-Texas) will hold a Congressional Field Hearing to discuss border security, economic development and accountable enforcement in El Paso, Texas, in partnership with the Border Network for Human Rights.
Tuesday, September 17
Pay Equity: The Census Bureau is expected to release new data on the gender wage gap.
Stand Your Ground Laws: The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights entitled “‘Stand Your Ground’ Laws: Civil Rights and Public Safety Implications of the Expanded Use of Deadly Force.”
Wednesday, September 18
NSA Spying: The Newseum will host an event titled “Security, Freedom and Privacy in the Digital Age.”
Criminal Justice: The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled “Reevaluating the Effectiveness of Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences.”
First Amendment: The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on the nominees to the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission.
Thursday, September 19
Authorization of Military Force: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on the U.S. Presence in Afghanistan Post-2014.
Election Administration: On September 19 and 20 the Presidential Commission on Election Administration will hold a public hearing in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are working with the ACLU of Ohio on a written statement.
Background Checks: Jennifer Bellamy has been invited to speak on a panel hosted by Rep. Thompson (D-Miss.) at the Congressional Black Caucus 43rd Annual Legislative Conference entitled “Security Clearances: Necessary Job Requirement or Proxy for Discrimination.”
Friday, September 20
Voting Rights: Deborah J. Vagins has been invited to speak on Rep. Conyers’ (D-Mich.) Judiciary Braintrust on voting issues at the Congressional Black Caucus 43rd Annual Legislative Conference. Other panelists include Wade Henderson, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Charles Ogletree, and Barbara Arnwine.
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