The Senate votes Monday on whether to take up a House-passed bill that would repeal a law requiring federal, state and local governments to withhold 3 percent of most payments made to government contractors. The measure could become a vehicle for Democratic jobs proposals, which Republicans are likely to block. All the fun is on the Senate side this week, as the House is not in session.

MONDAY

JPod the Optimist

John Podhoretz, editor of Commentary magazine, discusses “The American Future: The Case for Optimism” at the American Enterprise Institute (also available for viewing at aei.org).

Bo and Before

Learn about two centuries of White House pets from William B. Bushong, vice president of historical research and new media at the White House Historical Association, who will be speaking on the topic at the Washington Animal Rescue League.

TUESDAY

Vote Early, Not Often

It’s Election Day in Virginia, with Republicans hoping to win control of the state Senate, where Democrats enjoy a four-seat advantage. The GOP already has a majority in the House of Delegates and holds the governorship. Capturing the Senate would give it full control of redrawing the Congressional map for the next decade.

Holder in the Dock

The questions are likely to come fast and furious for Attorney General Eric Holder, scheduled to testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

WEDNESDAY

It’s The Economy, Everybody

The GOP presidential contenders will gather in Michigan, a state with especially high unemployment, for a CNBC debate on economic issues.

THURSDAY

The First Thing We Do, Let’s Feed All the Lawyers

The Federalist Society’s three-day National Lawyers Convention kicks off with the annual dinner at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Why Vietnam Still Matters

A day ahead of Veterans Day, the Brookings Institution hosts a discussion of the Vietnam War’s legacy and its enduring influence on presidential decision-making, with Marvin Kalb and Ron Nessen.

FRIDAY

The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

Multiple Veterans Day events are planned, including wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Art of War

Vietnam veteran Jim Magner gives a talk on and will sign copies of his latest book, “A Haunting Beauty: Vietnam Through the Eyes of an Artist,” at the Corner Store on South Carolina Avenue Southeast.