Trump’s pick for VA watchdog role promises independence, impartiality
Former Board of Veterans Appeals Chair Cheryl Mason said her work with the Trump administration should not disqualify her from a federal watchdog role.
Pentagon & Congress
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
IAVA names former Marine Corps pilot Kyleanne Hunter as next CEO
Hunter becomes the second woman to lead the advocacy group's efforts in highlighting the challenges of young veterans.
How a POW humming ‘Old McDonald’ at Hanoi Hilton saved lives
Dubbed "The Incredibly Stupid One" by his captors, 20-year-old sailor Douglas Hegdahl was quietly building intelligence.
House lawmakers to unveil draft budget for vets programs this week
Defense and veterans hearings for the week of June 2, 2025.
Advocates for homeless vets wary over proposed changes to VA programs
VA Secretary Doug Collins has promised to keep focus and funding on programs to help homeless vets, but community groups still worry about possible cuts.
Top lawmaker says VA, DOD leaders continue to ignore Hill requests
Sen. Richard Blumenthal said administration officials aren't providing basic information to Congress on looming plans for massive changes.
Advocates push Senate to drop changes in 90/10 rule for vets benefits
A provision in the Republican-backed reconciliation bill would roll back restrictions on what federal funds for-profit colleges can receive.
Hegseth, Collins promise fixes to post-military transition programs
VA and Pentagon leaders plan to review veteran transition programs to ensure separating troops are getting the support they need.
This WWII pilot crash-landed into a field hosting a Nazi soccer match
Maj. Donald K. Willis crash-landed his plane in Nazi-occupied Holland then stopped at cafes for beers — all while evading the capture for two months.
World War II bomber crash left 11 dead. Four are finally coming home.
All 11 men aboard the bomber were killed. Their remains, deep below the sea, were designated as non-recoverable. That changed in 2023.
Lingering cost worries cloud plans for veterans disability reform bill
Advocates hope to restart momentum in Congress this year on the Major Richard Star Act.
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.
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.
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disability claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
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.
