Next week's blockbuster week in Congress: A comprehensive guide for hitchhikers

I began writing an essay on the upcoming significant week on Capitol Hill, but the week has been chaotic. I became distracted and had to locate the correct Word document to proceed.

I searched for "blockbuster."

An essay from February 27, 2021, about another "blockbuster" week on Capitol Hill was mildly amusing.

That week was a banger.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would explain to Congressional committees why he didn't inform his superiors about his medical incapacitation, while a partial government shutdown threatened to occur. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden was scheduled to testify.

Those issues seem so quaint these days on Capitol Hill. Almost antiquated.

Yes, that was a blockbuster week back in late February/early March.

But in the annals of blockbusterdom, this one may surpass the others.

It will be a monster.

This week, the Republican convention took place while Congress was out of session. However, lawmakers will return to Congress on Monday.

Five major stories will dominate Capitol Hill, plus sub-plots.

Here’s what to look for:

The Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation:

Monday:

Since the shooting, this is the first time lawmakers have returned to the Capitol. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is expected to announce the task force's structure and members to investigate the incident in Pennsylvania.

On Monday at 10 am ET, USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle will appear before the House Oversight Committee, which is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated hearings in Congress in the past decade. The committee issued a subpoena to compel her to testify, and Cheatle confirmed that she would attend. There was concern that she might not show up.

The arrival of Cheatle may not satisfy members of Congress, but it could help dispel conspiracy theories about the attack.

Lawmakers will not return to Washington until the mid to late afternoon on Monday, at which point they will respond to the shooting and its implications for the Secret Service.

Tuesday:

The House Homeland Security Committee has invited FBI Director Christopher Wray and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for a hearing that morning, but has not yet received confirmation from Cheatle. Green, the committee chairman, has invited local police and other state officials from Pennsylvania to testify at the second part of this Tuesday hearing.

Senators may not provide commentary until Tuesday night as the Senate is not in session until Tuesday afternoon.

Wednesday:

The House Judiciary Committee hearing with FBI Director Christopher Wray was scheduled before the assassination attempt.

Gary Peters, D-Mich., the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman, indicated that he wants to hold a hearing on the incident prior to the August recess.

Fox is also told there could be hearings during the August recess.

Netanyahu Speaks to Joint Meeting of Congress:

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak at a joint session of Congress, with all four bipartisan Congressional leaders extending an invitation. However, it is evident that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., are not enthusiastic about Netanyahu's visit. In fact, Schumer faced criticism a few months ago for criticizing Netanyahu and urging him to hold new elections.

Anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian lawmakers and aides may participate in protests on Capitol Hill. Security concerns have been amplified after last weekend's shooting. Watch to see how many Democrats boycott this speech, and listen to what Schumer and Jeffries say afterwards.

The Joint Meeting will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM in the conference room.

Democrats in Disarray Over Biden:

The possibility of President Biden stepping down is gaining momentum, with a flood of Democrats demanding his resignation. Keep an eye on the moves of Schumer, Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who have been closely involved in the situation, particularly with the large California delegation. This trio could shape the future.

Since the disastrous debate in late June, this drama has been brewing. Be sure to watch the House Democratic leadership press conference on Tuesday. Jeffries will hold his weekly press conference either on Wednesday or Thursday. Schumer will speak after the weekly Democratic Caucus lunch on Wednesday.

Will Menendez Resign? Or Will There Be An Effort to Expel Him:

Although a vote to expel Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., may not occur this week, the Senate Ethics Committee could release a report that could lead to his expulsion in the near future. Reporters will monitor Menendez's movements at the Capitol, and his son, Rep. Rob Menendez, D-N.J., may also face questions. Schumer has not advocated for Menendez's expulsion but has urged him to step down.

Since 1862, the Senate has not expelled a member. It requires a two-thirds vote to expel a senator. If Menendez remains stubborn, the Senate may initiate expulsion proceedings against the New Jersey Democrat after the ethics report is finalized.

It is uncertain what Menendez will do. His entire defense was based on the notion that he was only conducting Senate and constituent business, and not accepting bribes.

Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), GOP Vice Presidential Nominee:

It is uncertain if Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, will return to Capitol Hill in the near future for votes and hearings, as previous presidential and vice presidential nominees have done so in the past. Vice President Harris, who was a senator from California at the time, returned to the Capitol during the pandemic in the fall of 2020 to participate in the confirmation hearings for Supreme court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Vance has experienced a rapid rise in American politics, surpassing the pace of former President Obama's ascent. Despite being a senator for only a year-and-a-half and having no prior political experience, Vance has already gained significant attention. Expect senators from both parties to provide their insights on Vance throughout the week.

The Wild Card:

A political scandal or another security incident could occur in this environment.

If President Biden decides to step down and the party selects Harris as Vice President, Democrats should consider Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, as their presidential candidate. Brown had previously considered running for president in 2020. However, his decision to step aside could cost Democrats a winnable Senate seat. Despite this, some in the party believe that Brown could effectively challenge Vance in a presidential race.

This is just what to look for next week.

Brace yourself for the week after that.