GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
Pentagon & Congress
Allvin calls Ukraine drone strikes a wake-up call for US air defense
The Air Force's top uniformed leader said that planners need to consider vulnerabilities at military sites once thought untouchable by enemy forces.
Pentagon to expand paid fellowship program for military spouses
The Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot will now provide entry-level jobs for those looking to "put their foot in the door," a defense official said.
More than 1 million vets have received new toxic exposure benefits
President Joe Biden will announce Tuesday that more than 1 million military toxic exposure claims have been approved by Veterans Affairs staff since 2022.
VA moving to let living veterans prep their online memorial pages
The latest planned expansion to the Veterans Legacy Memorial project would allow living veterans to craft their own lasting tributes.
House moves ahead on authorization, appropriations bills this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 20, 2024.
Children’s hospitals take fight over military payments to Congress
A change in how the military pays for care at civilian children's hospitals may cause significant health care access problems, advocates warn.
Military sexual assault totals down, but trust among women remains low
Less than half of women in the military trust leaders to properly handle reports of sexual assault, according to new Pentagon data.
Academy athletes could jump to pro sports right away under House plan
A proposal from House lawmakers would let academy athletes with professional sports offers serve in the reserves instead of on active duty.
Vets bill would expand caregiver support, boost in-home care options
A sweeping veterans measure introduced by lawmakers on Tuesday would improve benefits for veteran caregivers and individuals facing homelessness.
Junior enlisted to get 20% pay bump, E5s get 13% more under House plan
House lawmakers are looking to overhaul the military's pay tables next year to dramatically boost junior enlisted pay.
