Trump picks senior VA advisor to serve as top department watchdog
Cheryl Mason's shift from administration insider to department watchdog elicited concerns about her ability to be an independent voice on VA operations.
Pentagon & Congress
Collins, Dems spar over whether VA needs key fixes or full overhaul
Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is.
Dems blast Trump’s pick for military personnel policy as too combative
Nominee Anthony Tata offered a partial apology for past comments attacking Democrats and Trump critics as traitors.
VA shifts survivors assistance office in effort to speed up benefits
Officials hope to cut down on red tape for individuals seeking support and benefits after a veteran's death.
Controversial military personnel nominee faces Senate panel this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 5, 2025.
White House budget plan gives 4% boost for VA amid other agency cuts
VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan.
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Service leaders laud quality-of-life improvements, but concerns linger
Officials worry that planned Defense Department civilian workforce cuts could hurt base services and military family support.
GOP bill repeals rule on how for-profit schools count vets benefits
Veterans advocates said the move to reopen the 90/10 loophole could once again allow predatory institutions to prey upon student veterans.
House chairman asks Attorney General to investigate former VA leaders
House Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost suggested former department leaders could face criminal charges for past budget mistakes.
Poll shows young vets unhappy with Signal leak, federal program cuts
A survey of more than 1,400 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found concerns across party lines about the White House's handling of national security issues.
House lawmakers expected to debate defense funding boosts this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of April 28, 2025.
More than two-thirds of reserve troops are overweight: Report
The new study on weight problems among Guardsmen and reservists comes as military officials look to update force standards.
Officials launch task force to root out ‘anti-Christian bias’ in VA
The move follows an order by President Donald Trump to look for evidence of discrimination against Christians throughout the federal government.
Senate leaders set May 7 hearing to review VA budget, reform plans
VA Secretary Dog Collins will face sharp questions about his department overhaul efforts from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee next month.
Nurses rally outside VA hospitals to highlight staff cuts, vacancies
VA nurses across the U.S. are protesting Trump administration moves that they say endanger the health of veterans and federal workers.
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.
