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.
Veterans
VA errors in benefits payouts down, but still total more than $1.3B
Recurring errors in VA benefits processing amounted to hundreds of millions in losses for U.S. taxpayers in fiscal 2024.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard outline FY26 budget needs this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025.
Felon hid dead uncle in trash can to keep stealing his vets benefits
A Missouri man has been charged with fraud and theft for concealing the death of his veteran uncle to continue collecting his disability checks.
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
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.
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.
