Leo Shane III
Deputy Editor
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
All Stories By Leo
House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
Rep. Mike Bost said he trusts that administration plans to dramatically reduce the VA workforce will not cut into veterans benefits and care.
Congress still eyeing military grooming standards
Lawmakers still wary of military standards process after charges of racial discrimination earlier this year.
On-base tobacco prices to rise
Congress' latest budget bills would eliminate existing discounts for tobacco products at military exchanges.
House passes suicide prevention bill, Senate awaits
The bill includes a host of mental health reforms for troops and veterans, but the Senate may not have time to pass it.
Defense hearings: Final work of the year
Only a few hearings on tap this week as lawmakers finalize their work for the 2014 legislative session.
Lawmakers' plans unmoved by new DoD sex assault data
Critics see the new sex assault data as damning of the military's practices, while supporters see progress
Critics: VA caregiver programs need improvement
Caregivers face a host of disparate eligibility requirements and lengthy registration waits despite the obvious financial and emotional support they provide, researchers told members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Purple Hearts might be awarded in domestic terrorism cases
Service members killed or injured in domestic terrorist attacks – like the 2009 shooting at the Army's Fort Hood – may soon be eligible for Purple Heart awards. Congress is addressing ambiguity over who gets a Purple Heart, traditionally limited to those wounded in combat.
Years in, Congress still stalled on sequestration fixes
Lawmakers hope to address the military budget cuts next year, despite little progress in recent years
NDAA deal hits troops' pay, housing allowances
Congressional compromise will hit troops wallets with a lower pay raise and higher prescription co-pays.
