GOP lawmakers target diversity training, COVID rules in defense bill
The annual defense authorization bill debate in the House focused mainly on hot-button social issues.
Coronavirus | COVID-19 Updates
Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices
Masks will still be mandated for some high-risk areas or facilities with rising virus numbers.
GOP officials back lawsuit demanding more religious exemptions to military vaccine mandate
Forty-seven Republican lawmakers are asking federal courts to step in and override Pentagon decisions on vaccine exemptions.
GI Bill housing stipend protections enacted for vets whose classes were upended by the pandemic
The special authorities to protect student veterans were set to expire Tuesday night.
White House to deploy 1,000 more troops to help with COVID surge
The move is part of a broader response to the surge in cases of the Omicron varinant in recent weeks.
Veterans Affairs COVID cases since start of pandemic top 400,000
The last 100,000 coronavirus cases in the VA system have come in just four months.
Troops find religious exemption for COVID-19 vaccines unattainable
Obtaining a religious exemption is rooted in a process that predates the pandemic and has been used for decisions such as whether troops on duty can wear head coverings or beards for religious reasons.
Dishonorable discharges for COVID vaccine refusal off the table as military separations begin
Only discharges of honorable or general under honorable conditions will be allowed under the new defense authorization bill.
Texas joins growing list of governors protesting National Guard vaccine mandate
Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening legal action against the Defense Department.
Army vax deadline: 2 battalion commanders relieved, discharges begin January, 98% comply
Only four active duty soldiers have received permanent medical exemptions to date.
Student vets taking remote classes next semester will still get full GI Bill benefits thanks to new plan
Pandemic protections for GI Bill students were set to expire on Dec. 21.
