Thursday in politics: Brennan confirmation hearing, and more

White House counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan will face questions about America’s drone war Thursday afternoon when he goes before the Senate Intelligence Committee for his confirmation hearing to head the CIA.

The 25-year CIA veteran also is likely to be asked about the use of interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, and leaks of national security information.

Still, as Yahoo News reporter Olivier Knox points out, Brennan’s confirmation experience is likely to be much more like John Kerry’s road to the State Department than Chuck Hagel’s ongoing path to the Defense Department.

House Democrats will unveil 15 proposals Thursday for curbing gun violence, the Associated Press reports. The recommendations are expected to include a ban on assault weapons, a ban on high-capacity magazines and a requirement for background checks for all gun sales.

The proposals will face stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled House.

Also worth noting Thursday: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the Benghazi attack; President Barack Obama will address the House Democratic Issues Conference in Leesburg, Va.; and the Senate will resume debate on the “Violence Against Women Act” reauthorization.

And then there is this: President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will begin their day at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Sources: Yahoo News’ The Ticket, Yahoo News reporter Olivier Knox, Associated Press and Reuters.