TSA trained to accept military IDs in lieu of REAL IDs, officials say
A military ID is an acceptable alternative to the REAL ID, which is now required for passengers boarding domestic flights in the United States.
Pentagon & Congress
Lunday picked to serve as next Coast Guard commandant
The acting leader of the service was announced as President Donald Trump's pick to fill the top Coast Guard post permanently.
House Dems offer bill to keep transgender troops in the ranks
The legislation could force a public vote by House defense lawmakers on whether transgender individuals should be allowed to serve in the military.
Senators demand new investigation into former Gen. Milley’s conduct
Republican lawmakers are asking for punishment against the former Joint Chiefs Chairman for perceived moves undermining civilian control of the military.
VA drops secondary review rule for community care medical appointments
Congress last year passed legislation designed to simplify the process for veterans seeking medical help outside the VA health care system.
More than 600 child care slots coming to these military families
The three new centers in the pilot program will be operated under the same Defense Department standards and use the same parent fee structure.
Congressional appropriators criticize VA’s unapproved funding moves
Department leaders shifted about $340 million in budget savings to outside health care accounts without lawmakers' OK.
Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disability claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Thousands in West Region being booted out of military’s Tricare
Those who want to reinstate their coverage must do so by June 30.
Felon hid dead uncle in trash can to keep stealing his vets benefits
A Missouri man has been charged with fraud and theft for concealing the death of his veteran uncle to continue collecting his disability checks.
Babysitter sentenced for baby’s death in Hawaii military housing
Dixie Denise Villa's sentencing comes more than six years after Abigail Lobisch died from an overdose in Villa's unlicensed daycare in Hawaii.
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
DOD educator unions sue Trump over collective bargaining rights
Unions representing DOD educators are challenging President Trump's executive order excluding federal workers from collective bargaining.
