Hegseth, Collins promise fixes to post-military transition programs
VA and Pentagon leaders plan to review veteran transition programs to ensure separating troops are getting the support they need.
Pentagon & Congress
Lingering cost worries cloud plans for veterans disability reform bill
Advocates hope to restart momentum in Congress this year on the Major Richard Star Act.
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.
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.
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.
Military stores prepare for tariffs, aiming to keep costs down
Military store officials expect tariffs to affect exchanges, including the availability and cost of certain items.
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.
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.
