WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2013 – While farm bill issues continue to percolate, Congress is set this week to take on issues related to the budget, domestic violence, and possible misconduct from a senator.

The House is expected to begin, as early as Monday, consideration of the “Require a PLAN Act” (H.R. 444), which would require the president to produce a balanced budget, or submit a plan that indicates the earliest year he believes such a budget can be attained and the policies he would use to get there.

The Senate plans to turn its attention Monday evening to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 47), which seeks to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence.

That bill will likely see final passage after Senate Democrats take their party retreat on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In addition, discussions are continuing among lawmakers about Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., who has been accused of not reporting campaign contributions and trips on a private plane.

As for the administration, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected to speak on Monday in Washington, D.C. to the National Rural Health Association about efforts to assist rural hospitals, clinics, and clinicians through USDA Rural Development programs, the Affordable Care Act, and White House Rural Council efforts to reduce regulatory burden on rural providers.

On Tuesday, Vilsack is scheduled to address the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture at USDA headquarters. On Thursday, Vilsack plans to attend a series of events related to bio-economy and will deliver remarks at the National Ethanol Conference and Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas.

Monday, Feb. 4.

2:00 p.m. The Senate will meet for morning business.

2:00 p.m. The House will meet for legislative business.

3:00 p.m. USDA report: Dairy Products

5:00 p.m. The Senate likely to begin consideration of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 47).

5:30 p.m. The Senate has a scheduled vote on a motion to proceed to the Violence Against Women Act.

Tuesday, Feb. 5.

4:00 p.m. USDA report: Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin

Wednesday, Feb. 6.

USDA Reports:

3:00 p.m. National Dairy Products Sales Report

3:00 p.m. Broiler Hatchery

Thursday, Feb. 7.

8:30 a.m. USDA Report: U.S. Export Sales

Friday, Feb. 8.

USDA Reports:

12:00 p.m. World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report

12:00 p.m. Crop Production

12:00 p.m. Cotton Ginnings

12:00 p.m. Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade

12:00 p.m. “Cotton, Grains, Oilseeds and World Agricultural Production Data”

12:00 p.m. Cotton: World Markets and Trade

3:00 p.m. Peanut Prices

4:00 p.m. Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

4:00 p.m. Season Average Price Forecast

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