Veterans Affairs medical sites saw their patient numbers spike after a five-month effort to improve access and delivery of health care. Lawmakers are sparring over proposed changes to a fund covering the costs of veterans' toxic exposure benefits. The nomination for the first U.S. ambassador to the Arctic may remain frozen, despite competition in the region with China and Russia. Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley testified before Congress on Tuesday about the mistakes leading up to the Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021. The Major Richard Star Act has wide support among lawmakers but has been stalled in Congress for nearly a year. Chief Fire Controlman (AEGIS) Bryce Steven Pedicini is accused of passing classified information to an agent of a foreign government. The move follows several years of expanded benefits for veterans who suffered toxic exposure injuries while in the military. Nearly 250 former U.S. interpreters and allies in Afghanistan have been reported killed by the Taliban in retribution for their service. The long-sought assistance for Afghan refugees still faces a difficult fight in Congress. Officials will speed up portions of the PACT Act to allow enrollment of thousands of veterans into VA health care next month. Load More