Senate leaders will hold confirmation hearings this week for a pair of senior Pentagon officials as the chamber continues efforts to get President Donald Trump’s key military leadership into office.
On Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing for Stephen Feinberg to be deputy secretary of defense, the second-highest official at the department. Feinberg is the co-founder of the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, with a personal net worth in the billions.
On Thursday, the committee will consider the nomination of John Pehlan to be Navy Secretary. Like Feinberg, Phelan is the founder of a private investment firm and has no previous military service.
Senate leaders have yet to announce the timing of a vote for Trump’s pick to lead the Army, Daniel Driscoll, whose confirmation hearing was held Jan. 30. His nomination was advanced by the committee but has not made it to the full chamber floor.
Monday, Feb. 24
House Veterans’ Affairs — 3 p.m. — 360 Cannon
VA Health Records
Department officials will provide updates on the electronic health records modernization effort.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will consider the nomination of Stephen Feinberg to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Senate Homeland Security — 9:30 a.m. — 342 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will consider the nomination of Troy Edgar to be Homeland Security Deputy Secretary.
House Oversight — 10 a.m. — 2247 Rayburn
Emerging Global Threats
Outside experts will testify on emerging global threats.
House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 10 a.m. — 390 Cannon
Veterans Organizations
Advocates including Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and others will present their priorities for 2025.
House Veterans’ Affairs — 2 p.m. — 360 Cannon
Pending Legislation
Lawmakers will consider several bills, including the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025.
House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2172 Rayburn
Pacific Region
Outside experts will testify on U.S. policy in the Pacific region
House Appropriations — 3 p.m. — H-140 Capitol
Member Day
Lawmakers will offer their priorities for the fiscal 2026 defense budget.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs — 10 a.m. — 390 Cannon
Veterans Organizations
Advocates including the American Legion, Minority Veterans of America, and Military Officers Association of America will present their priorities for 2025.
House Science — 10 a.m. — 2318 Rayburn
NASA Artemis Program
Outside experts will discuss NASA goals for the upcoming Artemis program.
House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — 2118 Rayburn
Defense Industrial Base
Outside experts will testify on issues with the defense industrial base.
House Oversight — 11 a.m. — Visitors Center H210
U.S. Foreign Aid
Outside experts will testify on concerns with U.S. foreign aid practices.
House Armed Services — 1:30 p.m. — 2118 Rayburn
Special Operations
Officials from the services’ special forces branches will testify on challenges and successes in their missions.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Senate Homeland Security — 9 a.m. — 342 Dirksen
Nominations
The committee will vote on the nomination of Troy Edgar to be Homeland Security Deputy Secretary.
Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen
Phelan Nomination
The committee will consider the nomination of John Phelan to be Secretary of the Navy.
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.
