Pick to lead VA benefits work faces criticism over reform proposals
Several Democratic lawmakers argued nominee Karen Brazell’s non-answers about the potential for benefits eligibility changes should be disqualifying.
Pentagon & Congress
Veterans volunteer longer, vote more often than civilian peers: report
Fewer veterans are donating their free time to charities today then they did four years ago, but their involvement remains strong.
House passes $893 billion defense policy bill with war powers repeal
Only a handful of Democrats supported the defense authorization bill plan, because of social issue fights included in the measure.
Dem senator to oppose military honors for Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, has expressed disgust at plans to honor participants in the Jan. 6 insurrection attempt.
Advocates lobby for new approaches to preventing veteran suicides
The Veteran Alliance for Legislative Outreach and Reform wants more research into psychedelic-assisted therapy and other unconventional treatments.
House, Senate leaders look to speed up NDAA work this week
Lawmakers return to Capitol Hill this week with the annual defense authorization bill atop their agendas.
VA could save millions by tracking medical gear better, study finds
Nearly 10% of reusable medical equipment in VA hospitals is either missing or unneeded, a department watchdog report says.
That’s not a real soldier: campaign warns troops, families of AI scams
Advocates are raising alarms about how easily criminals can fabricate faces and voices in their efforts to cheat veterans and active-duty troops.
White House officials to attend funeral of Afghan vet turned advocate
After Army Sgt. Michael Verardo was injured in Afghanistan in 2010, his family spent years pushing for better care for veterans and caregivers.
Another federal shutdown threat looms as Congress heads back to DC
Democratic leaders want answers on a path towards compromise on a host of federal budget fights before the end of next month.
Stretch your grocery dollars with bigger commissary deals in September
Sidewalk sale dates vary by commissary location, but some start as soon as Sept. 1.
Tricare to end coverage of weight-loss meds for some military retirees
Advocates are pushing back against Tricare's plan to end its coverage of weight-loss drugs for Tricare for Life beneficiaries by Aug. 31.
Military spouse paid fellowship program expanding, with more money
DOD will increase the stipend it pays during the 12-week fellowship. Current pilot program will close to new applications on Sept. 1.
Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Trump, Hegseth float renaming Defense Department to Department of War
The military bureaucracy has used the Department of Defense name for 76 years, but President Trump said he doesn't like the title.
Tricare wants your feedback on its website experience
Got an opinion on the Tricare.mil website? Want to help improve it? Now’s your chance to provide feedback.
Trump suggests Guard troops will be deployed to Chicago next
The president said he has been pleased with the Guard presence in Washington, D.C., and vowed to "go to another location" after this deployment ends.
