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VA needs COVID accommodations extended before emergency status ends
Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.
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Pentagon & Congress
US to increase weapons deployment to counter North Korea
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula.
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Lawmakers demand fixes in VA health records before any more rollouts
New legislation would block further deployments of the controversial system until VA leaders can promise permanent improvements.
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Pentagon launches management reform institute to address challenges
The Defense Management Institute will exist as an independent research entity.
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Better pay for junior troops will be top focus of new House panel
The lawmaker leading the work said he hopes to propose major changes to military pay in early 2024.
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Snagged military fuel card contract triggers lawmaker scrutiny
Rep. Michael Waltz raised alarms about the AIR Card contract process.
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High turnover on House Veterans’ Affairs Committee again this session
The panel will have 13 new faces this year, more than half of its total membership.
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Warren to FTC: Block L3Harris-Aerojet deal, undo Northrop-Orbital ATK
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking federal regulators to oppose one defense merger and unwind another.
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Key Islamic State leader killed in US military operation in Somalia
No U.S. troops or civilians were harmed in the operation.
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Enrollments in VA medical care spiked after PACT Act passage last year
Department leaders say the are confident the increases won't lead to longer wait times for appointments.
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Armed Services committee adds 11 members, quality of life panel
Eleven new Republican lawmakers were named to the influential panel, joining 20 returning GOP members from last session.
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Troops booted over COVID vaccines would get jobs back under GOP plan
The legislation would also upgrade the discharge status of some individuals.
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In reversal, US to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine
The U.S. has committed to send a 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, reversing course after Germany cleared the way for Europe to send scores of main battle tanks.
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US arms export approvals soared in 2022
One factor in the surge is the easing of the global pandemic that in 2021 depressed sales from a spike to $83.5 billion in 2020.
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White House names latest pick to lead veterans benefits operations
If confirmed, the move will give VA confirmed officials in its top leadership spots for the first time since early 2017.
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In reversal, US poised to approve Abrams tanks for Ukraine
However, it could take months or years for their delivery.
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Ukraine’s allies fail to reach breakthrough on sending new tanks
Defense leaders gathered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to rally support for Ukraine could not reach an agreement on the provision of new Western tanks.
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Fixing disability and retirement pay is Congress’ next big vets issue
Advocates are hopeful they can finally fix the so-called "concurrent receipt" issue this session, following legislative successes last year.
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