A Hearing Featuring Secretary of Homeland Security Kelly, Another on Border Fencing, and Committee Votes on Two Subcabinet Nominees to Positions that have Jurisdiction Over Immigration Matters Highlight the Week's Immigration- and Refugee-Related Agenda
Monday, April 3, 2017
Both the House and Senate are scheduled to leave Washington at week's end for a two week-long recess. However, before it can begin its recess, the Senate will be consumed with a confirmation battle over the Supreme Court nominee Neil M. Gorsuch while the House faces a relatively light schedule. The highlight of this week's migration-related activity will likely be Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly‘s testimony at a Senate hearing. Fireworks could ensue when freshman Senator Kamela Harris (D-CA) questions the Secretary about the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement policies. |
Another potential immigration-related highlight of the week could be a hearing being held in the Senate on border fencing and votes in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on two Department of Justice subcabinet nominees.
Outside of Washington, the Trump Administration will likely spend some time in courtrooms this week in conjunction with court proceedings in Hawaii, Maryland, and Seattle on efforts to block key portions of President Donald J. Trump's revised refugee admissions/travel ban executive order.
In all, from the perspective of those interested in immigration, refugee, homeland security, or human trafficking policy, the week's schedule includes four hearings, one business meeting at which matters on those subjects could be marked up, and possible floor action on as many three nominees that touch on those matters.
Outside of Washington, the Trump Administration will likely spend some time in courtrooms this week in conjunction with court proceedings in Hawaii, Maryland, and Seattle on efforts to block key portions of President Donald J. Trump's revised refugee admissions/travel ban executive order.
In all, from the perspective of those interested in immigration, refugee, homeland security, or human trafficking policy, the week's schedule includes four hearings, one business meeting at which matters on those subjects could be marked up, and possible floor action on as many three nominees that touch on those matters.
The Week's Executive Branch Actions
The following executive branch actions that could either reference immigration, refugee, or human trafficking policy or that could significantly impact policy in those areas are scheduled, likely, or possible this week:
- Litigation Relating to Refugee Admissions/Travel Ban Executive Order: The Department of Justice is expected this week to continue actions in courts around the country to defend the President's March 6, 2017, refugee admissions/travel ban executive order.
The Week's House and Senate Floor Actions
The following House or Senate floor actions that could either reference immigration, refugee, or human trafficking policy or that could significantly impact policy in those areas are scheduled, likely, or possible this week:
- Senate Floor Action on Immigration-Related Nominees: The full Senate could at any time take up the nominations of Elaine C. Duke to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Rod J. Rosenstein to be Deputy Attorney General and Rachel L. Brand, to be Associate Attorney General.
The Week's House and Senate Markups
The following business meetings are scheduled for the week, during which measures that either contain significant immigration- or refugee-related provisions or that could be targets for amendments on those subjects could be marked up:
- Vote on the Administration's Nominees to be Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General: A Senate Committee on the Judiciary business meeting fto consider the nominations of Rod J. Rosenstein to be Deputy Attorney General and Rachel L. Brand, to be Associate Attorney General.
The Week's House and Senate Hearings
The following hearings featuring immigration- or refugee-related themes or subjects are scheduled in the House or Senate this week:
- Hearing on Border Security Task Forces: A House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security hearing titled, "Defeating a Sophisticated and Dangerous Adversary: Are the New Border Security Task Forces the Right Approach?"
- Hearing on Fencing Along the U.S. Border with Mexico: A Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing titled, "Fencing Along the Southwest Border."
- Hearing with Secretary of Homeland Security Kelly: A Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing titled, "Improving Border Security and Public Safety," featuring as the sole witness Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly.
- Hearing on the U.S. Southern and Northern Commands: A Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on the United States Southern Command and United States Northern Command.
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