VA officials had warned that without the money, some disability benefits payouts could have been disrupted in the next few weeks. VA officials have warned of a nearly $3 billion shortfall in funding for this fiscal year which could disrupt October benefits checks. VA officials said the original $453 million contract for the work has now been updated 25 times. The new price tag for the project is $932 million. It would also expand Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance for those in the Delayed Entry Program. A Senate panel supports an extra 1% pay bump for young enlisted troops next year, far less than what House lawmakers want. The White House noted its concerns with the FY25 defense policy bill's shipbuilding plans, an east coast missile defense site and contractor pricing data. VA Secretary Denis McDonough acknowledged serious mistakes in how executive bonuses were awarded last year but does not think firings are warranted. VA's top leader is expected to face harsh questioning about mistakes made in awarding nearly $11 million in senior executive bonuses last year. In addition to the enlisted pay raise, the bill pushes back against F-35 procurement as lawmakers bash Lockheed Martin over the troubled program. Twelve GOP senators want senior VA leaders dismissed for mistakes made regarding executive bonuses last year. Load More
