Trump promises to bring back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Both Trump and his pick to lead the Pentagon have promised back pay for troops dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pentagon & Congress
Hegseth promises to reinstate, repay troops who refused COVID vaccine
About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
VA to get new authority over education benefits for future emergencies
The move comes in response to problems that surfaced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America.
Defense policy bill with COVID vaccine repeal heads to Biden’s desk
The measure includes plans for $817 billion in military spending in fiscal 2023 and a 4.6% pay raise for troops starting next month.
Surgeon general urges vets to get updated COVID vaccine now
Aging and infirm veterans are particularly vulnerable to complications from the virus, officials warn.
Pentagon worries repealing COVID vaccine mandate will affect readiness
Democratic House leaders now support the change, which has been a priority for congressional Republicans for months.
Military COVID-19 vaccine mandate repealed in defense bill compromise
The $858 billion measure also includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops next year and plans to backfill munition stockpiles depleted by the war in Ukraine.
VA, HHS urge veterans to get COVID shots before holiday season
More than 23,000 veterans have died from complications related to COVID-19 infections.
Keep COVID-19 military vaccine mandate, defense secretary says
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is making clear he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops.
GOP senators threaten to block NDAA over COVID-19 vaccine mandate
They want troops dismissed for refusing the vaccine to get their jobs back and be awarded back pay.
VA study finds Paxlovid may help prevent long COVID-19 problems
The medication helped reduce the chance of long-term health complications by 25%.
