Has the military been miscalculating spouse unemployment?
A recent report suggests that the Pentagon has overstated spouse unemployment rates and obscured factors unique to a military lifestyle.
Veterans
Iran ‘skirmish’ has no effect on strong US economy, White House advisor claims
The rosy analysis was prompted by the monthly jobs report, which showed the jobless rate for all veterans came down from 4.1% in February to 3.9% in March.
Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
House panel to mark up annual defense authorization bill this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 14, 2025.
VA expects 30K voluntary job cuts by October, erasing need for layoffs
More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year.
Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites
Pilots and supporting service members involved in the complex airstrikes would be eligible for the new military medal.
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings
The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
VA staff finished 2M disability claims faster than ever this year
The department is about 15% ahead of its claims workload pace from last summer.
Congressional defense plans slowed by unsettled reconciliation debate
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 23, 2025.