In first, Hegseth to skip multinational meeting on Ukraine support
The April 11 meeting will mark the first time the coalition will gather without America’s secretary of defense participating.
Pay & Benefits
Plan would make military enlistment, retention bonuses tax exempt
A bill introduced in the House this week proposes to end federal taxes on bonuses given to troops for joining or re-enlisting in the military.
Trump’s pick to lead Joint Chiefs denies MAGA hat story in hearing
President Donald Trump has said Caine wore the hat and expressed political support during a 2018 visit to Iraq.
Senator vows to hold all VA nominees over planned staff cuts
Plans to cut more than 80,000 staffers from VA offices would severely hurt benefits delivery, said Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps vet.
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
Pentagon to offer new round of voluntary resignations, retirements
The Defense Department is going to offer a new round of voluntary resignations and retirements to the civilian workforce, but details are slim.
Hegseth orders review of physical standards for military combat roles
Women already must pass gender-neutral physical fitness requirements for combat posts, but Hegseth contends the standards for women are lower.
Confirmation hearing set on Trump’s pick for Joint Chiefs chairman
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of March 31, 2025.
Hegseth’s younger brother is serving in a key role inside the Pentagon
Phil Hegseth’s publicly available resume includes founding his own podcast production company and working on social media and podcasts.
Lawmaker warns government ‘savings’ could cost vets critical services
Democrats must highlight the dangers of planned VA cuts to both veterans and the public, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano said.
Opinion
The Golden Dome is not ready to stop a Chinese attack on the US
This op-ed argues that domestic distractions have left the U.S. unprepared for a conflict with a peer enemy — China — bent on war by strategic paralysis.
FAA must do better after fatal DC Black Hawk crash, agency leader says
Lawmakers questioned why the FAA hadn't addressed close calls at Reagan Airport prior to a collision between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet.
Senate confirms former VA benefits chief as new deputy secretary
Army veteran Paul Lawrence will serve as the second-ranking leader at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Watchdog blasts VA leaders for exaggerating budget shortfall last year
Investigators said that VA officials had enough budget flexibility all of last year despite repeated warnings of a possible funding shortfall.
Senators request inquiry into military secrets shared on Signal app
Republican and Democratic leaders on the Senate Armed Services Committee are requesting a formal investigation into the Signal chat scandal.
Senator pushes for new rules letting academy athletes play pro sports
A proposed policy allowing academy athletes to defer their military service to play pro sports could be included in the annual defense authorization bill.
‘Obviously classified’: Experts say Hegseth chat leaks invited danger
Former U.S. defense officials said the unsecured messaging chain could have jeopardized the operation and put American lives at risk.
