Trump estimates Golden Dome will cost $175B over 3 years
President Trump also announced he has appointed Gen. Michael Guetlein, the Space Force’s second in command, to oversee the effort.
Pentagon & Congress
Senators demand new investigation into former Gen. Milley’s conduct
Republican lawmakers are asking for punishment against the former Joint Chiefs Chairman for perceived moves undermining civilian control of the military.
VA drops secondary review rule for community care medical appointments
Congress last year passed legislation designed to simplify the process for veterans seeking medical help outside the VA health care system.
More than 600 child care slots coming to these military families
The three new centers in the pilot program will be operated under the same Defense Department standards and use the same parent fee structure.
Congressional appropriators criticize VA’s unapproved funding moves
Department leaders shifted about $340 million in budget savings to outside health care accounts without lawmakers' OK.
Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Homeland Security eyes new $50M jet for Noem, Coast Guard officials
The request for a new jet comes as President Donald Trump considers accepting a luxury Boeing jumbo jet as a gift from the ruling family of Qatar.
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disabiltiy claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Military to screen for gender dysphoria amid transgender ban, per memo
The Pentagon told commanders to direct medical record reviews of troops they suspect have gender dysphoria. The DOD will also screen troops at physicals.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Navy leaders look to expand munitions options as supplies run low
Operations against Houthi militants in the Red Sea have drawn down missile supplies potentially needed for future operations.
Air Force One greeted by fighter escorts during Trump’s Mideast visit
Like Saudi Arabia did a day earlier, Qatar gave Trump's Air Force One a ceremonial escort from its F-15 fighter jets — an exceptionally rare sight.
VA errors in benefits payouts down, but still total more than $1.3B
Recurring errors in VA benefits processing amounted to hundreds of millions in losses for U.S. taxpayers in fiscal 2024.
Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Hegseth’s plan to trim top ranks could hit more than 120 officers
About 20% of top active duty general and admiral jobs would be eliminated, plus 10% of the more than 800 positions across other leadership levels.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard outline FY26 budget needs this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025.
