Listen to military families, senators tell U.S. TRANSCOM commander. Almost 12 percent of the department's total jobs are currently unfilled. Recent reports of poor living conditions for military families have prompted a flurry of oversight hearings demanding answers. Growing frustration between the administration's veteran program leaders and Congress could stall the legislative success they've enjoyed in recent years. Debate over how to expand veterans health care choices connects to larger national fights over the role of government and private-sector partnerships. The draft standards could massively expand the number of outside medical appointments that taxpayers have to fund. The VA Mission Act, passed last summer, mandates an overhaul of the department's outside care programs. Rep. Mark Takano says he wants to see more effort put into hiring VA staffers instead of focusing on sending veterans to private-sector doctors. Department officials say they are on track to put new veterans medical rules in place by June, but advocates worry they haven't seen details so far. But VA officials insist the research does not undermine their efforts to expand vets' access to private-sector medical options. Load More
