Congressional defense plans slowed by unsettled reconciliation debate
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 23, 2025.
Veterans
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
Hegseth says Army base renamings will move ahead, despite concerns
Military officials expect to formally order the return to Confederate base names soon, but with different honorees.
Supreme Court ruling gives extra payouts to some combat-wounded vets
The high court ruled that limits on the government's combat-related special compensation program unfairly took away support for injured vets.
LA unrest cancels more than 600 appointments at city’s VA clinic
The Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center has been clsoed since Monday because of ongoing security concerns related to immigration protests.
Hegseth won’t rule out military actions against Greenland, Panama
The defense secretary dodged questions from lawmakers about possible Defense Department plans against the allied territories.
Former VA Secretary McDonough to host town hall countering DC parade
The Friday night discussion on veterans issues is part of a series of events from Democrats scheduled around the controversial Army parade in Washington.
House panel pushes ahead $453 billion funding plan for VA next year
The appropriations plan would add more than $80 billion to the current VA funding level, giving the department its biggest budget ever.
Panel advances defense budget despite missing details from White House
The $832 billion defense spending plan provides no increase from current fiscal year funding levels.
Bipartisan House proposal aims to speed up defense acquisition work
The proposal could be the template for significant reform plans this year in how the military plans and buys new weapons systems.
Transgender vet sues VA over decision to halt hormone therapy meds
VA officials in March announced plans to end all transgender-related health care programs, a move advocates say will hurt veterans.
Hegseth returns to Capitol Hill to defend Trump’s defense budget plan
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 8, 2025.
‘Unite for Vets’ rally calls for Trump to abandon planned cuts at VA
Thousands of veterans gathered in Washington on Friday to rally against potential cuts to veterans services and staffing.
Advocates lament Pentagon policies targeting women’s military service
Veterans visited congressional offices this week to deliver messages of concern over recent Pentagon moves targeting the roles of women in the military.
Trump’s pick for VA watchdog role promises independence, impartiality
Former Board of Veterans Appeals Chair Cheryl Mason said her work with the Trump administration should not disqualify her from a federal watchdog role.
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
IAVA names former Marine Corps pilot Kyleanne Hunter as next CEO
Hunter becomes the second woman to lead the advocacy group's efforts in highlighting the challenges of young veterans.
