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It's December in DC ❄️
What to watch as the 118th Congress enters its final weeks.
Welcome back to frigid temperatures and busy schedules, everyone! It’s December in our nation’s capital, and the 118th Congress is back in session for its final stretch of 2024. We hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving break and are ready for a fun-filled end of the year.
The House Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the VA’s budget shortfall on Thursday. This one is sure to have some fireworks, so make sure you tune in. On Friday, the HillVets Foundation will be hosting its annual holiday party. For those attending, our team looks forward to seeing you there.
In this week’s Nimitz Report:
Veterans in the 119th Congress: How many & what this means
Trump’s Cabinet: Potentially shaky paths to confirmation
Fraud warning: VA ramps up efforts to protect veterans from scams
⏰ Watch the clock: The current bill funding the government will expire on December 20. Lawmakers have until then to pass a short-term solution or pass a budget.
WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?
Red Star: House Event, Blue Star: Senate Event, Purple Star: Other Event
Thursday, December 5th
💵 Full Committee Hearing: "Fact and Fiction: Getting to the Bottom of the VA Budget Shortfall," House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) at 10:15 am. More information here.
Friday, December 6th
🎁 HillVets 2024 Holiday Party at 6 pm. RSVP here.
NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK
Marine Corps veteran Ruben Gallego has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2014. He just won his 2024 campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Congressional News
The 119th Congress is officially set to begin next year with 100 members who have experience in the armed forces, the largest number of veteran lawmakers in eight years. Two of them are preparing to depart early — Sen. JD Vance and Rep. Michael Waltz — to assume their respective roles in the administration. The remaining numbers are as follows: 26 Democrats, 72 Republicans, 19 in the Senate, and 79 in the House. Experts are saying that the increased number of veterans in Congress reflects a shift in political influence from older generations of veterans to the post-9/11 population. They also claim that voters now have a more favorable view of veteran candidates than in years past.
President-elect Donald Trump has filled most of the key spots in his Cabinet. After weeks of breaking news and switching candidates around, Trump has chosen loyal individuals to claim crucial roles in the administration moving into his second term. Political insiders believe the Senate is likely to confirm most of his picks, though some like Sen. Marco Rubio and Pete Hesgeth may face more pushback than others. For a full list of chosen officials, click here.
Veteran News
The VA is trying new ways to warn veterans of online scams and fraud when shopping for the holiday season. The department’s Office of Information and Technology (OIT) published an article for veterans after Thanksgiving, educating them about fake shops, customer service scams, and giveaway scams. The VA’s OIT suggested ways veterans can protect themselves, including researching sellers and monitoring their accounts. “Understanding these scams and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial for a safe shopping experience this holiday season,” said the article.
A VA pilot program providing environmentally sustainable burial options for veterans and family members is now underway. This program offers green burial sections at three VA national cemeteries in Arizona, Colorado, and Florida. Green burials use biodegradable materials to prepare and bury remains. Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald Walters stated, “This pilot reflects our commitment to understand and address the emerging burial preferences of Veterans and their loved ones.” Following the pilot program’s findings, the VA may choose to expand green burial options to additional national cemeteries.
National News
President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter, and Republican lawmakers are loudly slamming the decision via social media. This morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson posted, “President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes. […] Trust in our justice system has been almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens and their use and abuse of it.” Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges and was found guilty of three felony gun charges. He was preparing to face sentencing on Wednesday. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise wrote, “They never play by the same rules they force on everyone else. Disgraceful.”
WHAT ELSE WE’RE WATCHING 👀
Wednesday, December 4th
Back to Basics: America’s Founding, Civics, and Self-Government in K-12 Curricula. House Committee on Education & the Workforce. 10:15 am. Watch here.
Thursday, December 5th
Rebuilding the Arsenal of Democracy: The Imperative to Strengthen America’s Defense Industrial Base and Workforce. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. 9:30 am. More information here.
Examining the Public Health Impacts of PFAS Exposures. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works. 9:30 am. More information here.
Implementation of the Global Magnitsky Laws. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. 10:30 am. Watch here.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
FOR FUN
Our office is officially decked out for the holidays! Thank you to our amazing team for setting this up as we prepare to celebrate the season.
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