Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.
Congress approved $3 billion in emergency VA funding in September, but officials now say they did not need the money to cover immediate bills.
A proposal from House lawmakers would let academy athletes with professional sports offers serve in the reserves instead of on active duty.
The special-operations-capable 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked across three Navy ships, left the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday.
