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Get your fill this week of On the Agenda because next week it could look a little sparse.

The talk this week will be whether Republicans and Democrats can somehow avert a government shutdown after the House on Friday that would keep the government open but defund the Affordable Care Act. The bill now heads to the Senate where the chamber's Democrats will likely pass it after stripping the healthcare defunding provision from the legislation, sending it back to the House to accept, reject, or amend.

Follow that? If not, know this: prognosis looks negative.

And the Washington Legislative Office won't be the only ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹ûers in our nation's capital standing up for liberty. The ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û of New Mexico and the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û of Texas will be part of a delegation of southwest border organizations meeting with congressional staff and administration officials.

Even as the specter of a government shutdown hovers over the city, things have to get done, for at least another week. Here's a shortlist of some important hearings and events happening on the Hill and across the city this week.

Tuesday, September 24th

Women's Rights: The congressionally mandated "Department of Defense Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel" will meet all day to discuss issues regarding the military justice system, including the role of the commander in the military justice process.

NSA Surveillance: The Senate Select Intelligence Committee will hold a hearing on FISA legislation.

Wednesday, September 25th

Women's Rights: The Department of Defense Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel will meet all day to discuss issues regarding the military justice system.

National Security Leaks and the Press: The group blog, , will host its launch event, which will include a panel discussion entitled "When Reporting is a Crime: National Security and the Press After Snowden and Sterling." The blog officially launched today at and will include ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û voices from the Center for Democracy.

Thursday, September 26th

Women's Rights: The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) will hold an all-day meeting, which will include briefings on sexual harassment prevention and issues related to women in combat.

Immigration: CAMBIO, in partnership with Southern Border Communities Coalition, will host a briefing for House staff titled, "Immigration Reform: Southern Border Leaders on Border Enforcement, Economic Prosperity and Accountability."

Immigration: The Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing titled, "Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission Recommendation: Implementing Biometric Exit."

Friday, September 27th

Women's Rights: The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) will hold a meeting, which will include briefings on sexual harassment prevention and issues related to women in combat.

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