WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2013 – President Obama will deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday in which he is expected to focus on the economy and job creation.

The House is scheduled to consider legislation that would freeze pay raises for members of Congress, cabinet members, and all federal employees. The bill (H.R. 273) would extend the freeze that has been in place since 2011.

The Senate will resume consideration Monday of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 47) with amendments.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is scheduled to hold a hearing Wednesday on “Drought, Fire and Freeze: The Economics of Disasters for America’s Agricultural Producers.”

As for the USDA, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected to deliver a speech on Wednesday at the University of Texas, in Austin, Texas, on the “unlimited potential for renewable energy in America.”

On Thursday, Vilsack is scheduled to hold a press conference in San Antonio on the department’s new “microloan” program, which is aimed to help young farmers. 

Monday, Feb. 11.

11:00 a.m. USDA Report: Farm Sector and Household Income Forecast.

11:00 a.m. USDA Report: Livestock and Meat Trade Data.

11:00 a.m. USDA Report: Long Term Agricultural Projections.

2:00 p.m. The Senate will convene to resume consideration of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 47).

4:00 p.m. USDA Report: U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update.

5:30 p.m. The Senate will proceed to a series of votes, possibly six, on pending amendments to S. 47.

Tuesday, Feb. 12.

9:45 a.m. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold an organizational meeting in Senate Dirksen 366 and a hearing on “Opportunities and Challenges for Natural Gas.”

12:00 p.m. The House will meet for morning hour speeches.

1:00 p.m. USDA Report: Oil Crops Outlook.

1:00 p.m. USDA Report: Rice Outlook.

1:00 p.m. USDA Report: Wheat Outlook.

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

4:00 p.m. USDA Report: Feed Grains Outlook.

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

5:30 p.m. The House will recess for a security sweep.

8:35 p.m. The House will meet in a joint session with the Senate for the purpose of receiving the State of the Union address from the President Obama.

Wednesday, Feb. 13.

9:30 a.m. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will hold a hearing in Senate Russell 328 on “Drought, Fire and Freeze: The Economics of Disasters for America’s Agricultural Producers.”

10:00 a.m. The House will meet for morning hour speeches.