Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites
Pilots and supporting servicemembers involved in the complex airstrikes would be eligible for the new military medal.
Pentagon & Congress
Army seeks $197 billion FY26 budget with transformation plan at center
The Army's base budget request is $192 billion but relies on another $5.4 billon in supplemental funding for key initiatives.
Navy budget seeks to boost modernization of fleet, shipyards
The Navy intends to use some of the funds to increase its fleet of warships by 19 and modernize century-old shipyards.
Pentagon to request $848 billion in delayed base budget release
Defense officials argued the spending request should also include another spending bill in Congress, which would bring the total closer to $961 billion.
Iran’s supreme leader resurfaces to warn against future US attacks
Khamenei's speech, which went on for more than 10 minutes Thursday, was filled with warnings and threats directed toward the United States and Israel.
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings
The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
Here’s the role an Ohio-class submarine played in the strikes on Iran
A single U.S. Navy submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles into Iran, striking a nuclear facility at Isfahan.
Strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months, US report says
A report by the Defense Intelligence Agency found that while the US strikes did significant damage, the Iranian nuclear sites were not totally destroyed.
Senators concerned with Navy shipbuilding delays, budget
The Navy remains years behind in projected ship deliveries and cannot provide firm timelines for improvement, military officials told lawmakers Tuesday.
Iran remains security threat even after airstrikes, CENTCOM warns
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Central Command said Iran still has 'considerable tactical capabilities' of concern to national security.
VA staff finished 2M disability claims faster than ever this year
The department is about 15% ahead of its claims workload pace from last summer.
Trump slams Israel, Iran: ‘They don’t know what the f— they’re doing’
President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted both Israel and Iran for what he said were violations of ceasefire terms that had been agreed upon hours earlier.
Afghanistan War Commission hears from vets as it tackles troop surge
The commission will hold a multipanel hearing on what for many is a defining point of the war: President Barack Obama’s troop surge in late 2009.
Congressional defense plans slowed by unsettled reconciliation debate
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 23, 2025.
