Wednesday: VA accountability, Venezuela, appropriations

The House will start off its truncated workweek with debate on ten suspension bills and the 2015 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill.

Among the legislation that will need a two-thirds majority to pass under suspension of the rules is a measure to require the VA inspector general (IG) to notify the VA secretary and relevant congressional committees of any departmental failure to adopt recommended reforms outlined in an IG report. Four other measures regarding veterans, including a proposal to provide veterans wiith counseling and treatment for sexual trauma that occurred during inactive duty training, are also on the agenda.

{mosads}Additionally, the House will take up a measure to direct the president to impose sanctions against Venezuelan government officials responsible for human rights abuses against people participating in protests. 

After votes at 6:30 p.m., the House will begin debate of the $52 billion measure funding the Commerce Department, Justice Department and science programs through fiscal 2015. 

It will be considered under an open rule, meaning that members can offer an unlimited number of amendments. Votes on amendments and final passage will be pushed to later in the week.