Republicans have selected a traditional defense hawk and Ukraine aid proponent as the new House appropriations chairman. Legislation introduced in the Senate would guarantee a cost-of-living boost in veterans benefits in 2025. Lawmakers are sparring over proposed changes to a fund covering the costs of veterans' toxic exposure benefits. Mike Linnington leaves Wounded Warrior Project after eight years of dramatic improvements for injured veterans, but numerous challenges remain. Congress has passed an $825 billion FY24 defense spending bill, but the plan to get Ukraine military assistance across the finish line remains uncertain. Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley testified before Congress on Tuesday about the mistakes leading up to the Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021. More than a dozen senators said Congress needs to raise the limit on the number of special immigrant visas the U.S. can process for Afghans. In a State of the Union address, President Joe Biden said a temporary pier would boost humanitarian assistance. The Major Richard Star Act has wide support among lawmakers but has been stalled in Congress for nearly a year. The U.S. military would have to make sacrifices to exercises around the globe if Congress fails to pass an FY24 budget, officials warn. Load More