Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus
The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.
Pentagon & Congress
Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans
Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.
Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025
Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.
Plan to avert government shutdown does not include extra VA funds
VA leaders had asked for roughly $6.6 billion in extra funding for FY25, and said they could face problems with hiring and programs without it.
Congress finalizes sweeping bill to help veteran caregivers
The measure to expand assistance for veteran caregivers easily passed both the House and Senate, and now heads to the White House to become law.
Army to cut credentialing benefit, drop officers from program
The cap for credentialing reimbursements through the Army program will drop from $4,000 to $2,000 in coming months.
Lawmakers call for in-depth VA study on blast pressure injuries
The 10-year research plan would examine blast injuries among veterans and offer suggestions for treatments.
VA plans to expand caregiver benefits, postpone program discharges
Rules surrounding VA's caregiver support have been in limbo for more than two years after families complained about harsh eligibility guidelines.
Donald Trump taps JD Vance adviser as next Army secretary
Driscoll, who served in the Army and deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division, brings a background in venture capital and private equity firms.
Bill would push VA to expand outside medical care options for vets
The Complete the Mission Act serves as a focal point of debate over the size of VA and availability of community care for veteran patients.
VA awards $1.5 million to study using psychedelics for PTSD treatment
The move is the first time Veterans Affairs leaders have funded a study into psychedelic benefits since the 1960s.
Congress will open next session with more veterans than two years ago
Advocates say the surprise increase in lawmakers with military backgrounds is a positve sign for the veteran community.
Trump taps businessman John Phelan to be Navy secretary
Phelan is the first service secretary pick announced by the president-elect for his second term in the White House.
VA wants $6.6B in extra funding for FY25, down from $12B request
Officials revised their initial ask downward after criticism from lawmakers over previous inaccurate estimates.
As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust
VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.
VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions
Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.
Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change
Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.
