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Washington is slowly getting back into the swing of things following its annual winter hibernation when the streets are empty and it's relatively easy to get a table at all the new restaurants that line 14th St NW. Now, not so much.

Anyway, here's to hoping 2014 is off to a better start for you all than it has been for ! Your loveable, passionate, hard-working team at the Washington Legislative Office has already hit the ground running, as you can see from all the below.

Tuesday, January 14th

NSA Surveillance
The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the President's Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies' recommendations for reform of surveillance programs and authorities.

Wednesday, January 15th

Drones
Legislative Counsel Chris Calabrese will testify before the Senate Commerce Committee on the use of domestic drones. His testimony focuses on the privacy implications of drones use by law enforcement as well as individuals' First Amendment rights.

Homeland Security
The House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on threats to homeland security titled "A False Narrative Endangers the Homeland." Former Sen. Lieberman (I-Conn.) and former Rep. Harman (D-Calif.) are scheduled to testify before the committee.

Thursday, January 16th

NSA Surveillance
Public Citizen will hold a discussion with Geoffrey Stone, one of the five experts on the President's Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies, on the group's report and recommendations.

Friday, January 17th

NSA Surveillance
President Obama will give a speech laying out his plans for reform of U.S. surveillance programs.

Happening This Week

FY14 Appropriations
Congress faces a January 15 deadline to pass an omnibus FY 2014 appropriations package, but will likely first vote on a short-term stopgap continuing resolution to fund the government if that deadline is not met. We expect the omnibus bill will contain abortion policy riders.

Future Events

Employment/Pay Equity
January 29 marks the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Ms. Ledbetter will be in town for lobby visits. There will also be a variety of activities on pay equity January 28-30, including Hill events and a teleconference with Ms. Ledbetter and Members of Congress. We are using the opportunity to lift up the Paycheck Fairness Act and our Administrative asks on pay equity.

State of the Union
The President will deliver the State of the Union on January 28.

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