VA’s #2 leader downplays political strife between Congress, department
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting.
Pentagon & Congress
Senate panel backs plans for $456 billion VA budget next year
The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time.
Harvard to launch new service fellowship for veterans, federal workers
The American Service Fellowship will provide 50 students with free tuition for a one-year master's degree program.
New mortgage support program for struggling veterans set to become law
Congress passed a bill creating a new partial claim program for veterans who have fallen behind on mortgage payments.
House panel advances DOD policy bill with sweeping acquisition reforms
Both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have now approved their initial drafts of the annual defense authorization bill.
Senate confirms controversial vet to lead Pentagon personnel office
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata has made inflammatory comments about Democratic leaders and former President Barack Obama.
Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
House panel to mark up annual defense authorization bill this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 14, 2025.
VA expects 30K voluntary job cuts by October, erasing need for layoffs
More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year.
Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites
Pilots and supporting service members involved in the complex airstrikes would be eligible for the new military medal.
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings
The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
VA staff finished 2M disability claims faster than ever this year
The department is about 15% ahead of its claims workload pace from last summer.
Congressional defense plans slowed by unsettled reconciliation debate
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 23, 2025.
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
Hegseth says Army base renamings will move ahead, despite concerns
Military officials expect to formally order the return to Confederate base names soon, but with different honorees.
