Senate confirms senior VA advisor to become next department watchdog
The incoming VA Inspector General, Cheryl Mason, worked for several months alongside the senior VA leaders she will now be charged with investigating.
Pentagon & Congress
Senate panel OKs plans for $852 billion in defense spending next year
The Senate defense budget plan would give a boost of more than 2% to base military funding next year, more than the White House asked for.
New life insurance program for disabled vets sees high demand
Veterans can get up to $40,000 in life insruance coverage through the program regardless of their health status.
Lawmakers launch investigation into Austin’s health secrecy
The House Armed Services Committee will look into how senior leaders mishandled the defense secretary's hospitalization earlier this month.
Austin developed infection after prostate cancer treatment
Austin is expected to make a full recovery.
Edge-of-your-seat movies troops should watch for in 2024
These nine thrilling films are at the top of our 2024 must-see list.
DOD leaders often overlook officers’ education in future assignments
A new analysis of professional military education programs says that often the skills learned are not incorporated in officers' future leadership roles.
Austin’s chief of staff failed to tell anyone about hospitalization
Austin remained hospitalized Monday, according to the Pentagon.
New in 2024: Housing panel gives military families a voice
Service members and spouses from each U.S. military branch will be invited to join a new housing-focused working group.
Criticism swirls over defense secretary’s hushed-up hospitalization
Former President Donald Trump called Austin's lack of communication over his medical issues a fireable offense.
Lawmakers return to DC with new shutdown deadlines looming
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 8, 2024.
