Lawmakers want details on plans to privatize military stores
Lawmakers are hoping to put the brakes on DOD plans to privatize retail programs.
Pentagon & Congress
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.
No ‘significant’ mover capacity problems expected for troops, DOD says
The DOD says a new task force is "fully engaged" in overseeing the process of troops' household goods moves during this peak season.
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.
Iran remains security threat even after airstrikes, CENTCOM warns
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Central Command said Iran still has 'considerable tactical capabilities' of concern to national security.
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.
Survey shows surge in support for US leadership in foreign affairs
Almost two-thirds of respondents in the Reagan Institute poll pushed for a bigger role for U.S. leaders on the global stage.
Pentagon leaders hail successful Iran strikes but wary of retaliation
The operation against Iran involved 125 American aircraft, 75 precision weapons and a bevy of other U.S. military assets.
US strikes on Iran draw support from GOP leaders, concerns from Dems
Saturday's attack on Iran nuclear sites is expected to spur new congressional discussions about presidential war powers.
US troops, bases in Middle East could be targets in conflict with Iran
About 40,000 U.S. personnel are spread throughout the region, giving Iran a chance to strike back at American military forces.
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
DOD schools reorganize to target more support to military children
The school system is adding more psychologists and administrative officers, but there's concern about some positions being eliminated.
