Trump plans to patrol DC with National Guard on Thursday
The president told a radio show host that he hopes to get a first-hand view of the National Guard presence on the streets of the nation's capital.
Veterans
VA cancels plans for employee satisfaction survey this year
VA has conducted a poll of federal employees every year since 2006, but won't distrubute one this year amid multiple reforms to the workforce.
Crackdown on mail-in ballots won’t focus on military, White House says
The White House won't say if any protections are being considered for overseas military voters but vowed to make sure those ballots are still counted.
VA needs more oversight of health care options to prevent waste: Study
Department leaders last month uncovered more than $100 million in duplicate government payments for medical services.
Timely payments for Guard deployed to DC a concern, lawmaker says
A top Senate Democrat is still awaiting clarity on when Guard troops patrolling the nation's capital will be compensated for that military duty.
VA severs ties with most federal unions, terminating worker contracts
About 80% of VA's roughly 450,000 employees are union members, but the department will no longer honor its contracts with the bargaining units.
Defense leaders to return Confederate memorial to Arlington Cemetery
The sculpture honoring Confederate fighters and the separatist movement was removed from the miltiary cemetery in 2023, but will be restored soon.
VA to ease authorization rules for some outside care, raising concerns
Officials will extend authorizations for care handled outside the VA system for 30 different medical specialties, a move they say will ease red tape.
VA leaders move to end all abortions at department medical sites
Abortion services had been offered at VA facilities since late 2022, even in some states where the procedures were outlawed. Now that will end.
Senate confirms new top Navy leader, vice chief for Space Force
Adm. Daryl Caudle, who has been the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command since 2021, was approved as the next chief of naval operations.
Senate confirms senior VA advisor to become next department watchdog
The incoming VA Inspector General, Cheryl Mason, worked for several months alongside the senior VA leaders she will now be charged with investigating.
After delay, Senate confirms Sam Brown to lead VA memorial affairs
The combat-wounded veteran and former Senate hopeful will oversee operations at hundreds of VA cemeteries and memorial sites.
Advocates worry new White House order on homelessness could hurt vets
A White House plan would make it easier for local officials to force homeless veterans off the streets and into medical or criminal institutions.
Work on annual defense authorization bill will wait until September
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 28, 2025.
Trump pick to lead VA health care reopens fight over ‘choice’ for vets
John Bartrum, nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Health, said he wants more freedom for veterans to use medical care options outside the department.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
Research offers link between burn pit smoke and serious brain injuries
The findings suggest potential new reasons for mental health challenges of veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while in the ranks.
