Tuesday: Hagel's second chance

The Senate meets at 10 a.m., and at noon it will vote on a motion to end debate on the nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to be the next secretary of Defense.

The Senate failed to end debate on his nomination earlier in the month, in a 58-40 vote — 60 were needed. But a few more Republicans are now prepared to support the nomination.

A successful vote Tuesday would allow the Senate to confirm Hagel by Thursday, or possibly earlier in the week if Republicans agree.

Senate leaders are also expected to introduce their bills to replace the sequester today. Senate Democrats will push for passage for their bill that calls for billions in new taxes, but it's unclear whether the Democratic or Republican bill will be able to pass the Senate.

The House also meets at 10 a.m., and at noon to it will start work on one resolution, H.Res. 77.

The resolution would create a House-administered academic contest for students around the country. It will be subject to just 40 minutes of debate, and will need a two-thirds majority to pass.

If a roll call vote is needed for the resolution, it is expected to start in the mid-afternoon.

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