Collins, Dems spar over whether VA needs key fixes or full overhaul
Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is.
Pentagon & Congress
Dems blast Trump’s pick for military personnel policy as too combative
Nominee Anthony Tata offered a partial apology for past comments attacking Democrats and Trump critics as traitors.
Hegseth directs 20% cut to top military leadership positions
In a memo dated Monday, Hegseth said the cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership.”
VA shifts survivors assistance office in effort to speed up benefits
Officials hope to cut down on red tape for individuals seeking support and benefits after a veteran's death.
Controversial military personnel nominee faces Senate panel this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 5, 2025.
Defense Department designates second military zone on southern border
Troops are authorized to take custody of migrants who illegally cross the border within the zone until they are transferred to civilian authorities.
Trump requests $892.6 billion base defense budget, a real-terms cut
The administration framed the budget as a 13% increase, but that includes a spending package Congress has yet to pass.
White House budget plan gives 4% boost for VA amid other agency cuts
VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan.
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Hegseth backs Air Force three-star Grynkewich for top Europe job
On the Joint Staff, Grynkewich has helped direct U.S. forces around the world in a year marked by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and China’s rise.
Service leaders laud quality-of-life improvements, but concerns linger
Officials worry that planned Defense Department civilian workforce cuts could hurt base services and military family support.
National security adviser Mike Waltz leaving Trump team
Waltz's exit comes just weeks after it was revealed he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.
Military sexual assault reports decreased 4% last fiscal year
Officials said they are encouraged by the drop in reports of sexual violence but warned the problem still poses a threat to force readiness.
GOP bill repeals rule on how for-profit schools count vets benefits
Veterans advocates said the move to reopen the 90/10 loophole could once again allow predatory institutions to prey upon student veterans.
House chairman asks Attorney General to investigate former VA leaders
House Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost suggested former department leaders could face criminal charges for past budget mistakes.
Defense budget debate devolves into fight over Hegseth’s controversies
Objections over Republican plans to boost defense spending by $150 billion focused largely on the defense secretary's leadership.
Hegseth cancels women’s leadership program despite past Trump support
The Women, Peace & Security program was signed into law by Trump and had received backing from numerous Republican leaders.