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House to vote on landmark bill that boosts DOD and VA benefits for some while cutting others
The broad proposal includes the Maj. Richard Star Act, as well as the Love Lives On Act, which allows surviving spouses to keep benefits if they remarry.
Trump heads to Camp David as questions swirl over Iran deal
President Trump headed to Camp David on Friday for a weekend of policy and political meetings as negotiations with Iran move toward an inflection point.
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The unlikely role of Operation Epic Fury in a Mississippi AI data center lawsuit
The lawsuit argues that the data centers are operating illegally and polluting surrounding areas, but the DOJ said they’re needed for national security.
Pentagon tells lawmakers it needs $80 billion for Iran war, other expenses: WSJ
The full cost of the conflict, which the U.S. launched alongside Israel on Feb. 28, has remained an open question on Capitol Hill.
‘Hell ship’ responsible for one of the largest single-day loss of Allied POWs discovered after more than 80 years
More than 80 years after its sinking, buried documents in both the American and Japanese archives held the key to locating the "hell ship” Hōfuku Maru.
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Troop cuts in Europe: Giving away something for nothing
It’s not too late – if Washington is intent on reducing troop levels in Europe, it can still wield this bargaining chip with Russia.
In other news
Bravery in Burma: Despite being rendered blind by the Japanese, this soldier fought on
Marching 200 miles inside northern Burma and determined to cut off the enemy, 1st Lt. Jack L. Knight made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
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House panel advances DOD policy bill with sweeping acquisition reforms
Both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have now approved their initial drafts of the annual defense authorization bill.
Senate confirms controversial vet to lead Pentagon personnel office
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata has made inflammatory comments about Democratic leaders and former President Barack Obama.
Lawmakers want details on plans to privatize military stores
Lawmakers are hoping to put the brakes on DOD plans to privatize retail programs.
By Karen Jowers
Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
House panel to mark up annual defense authorization bill this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 14, 2025.
VA expects 30K voluntary job cuts by October, erasing need for layoffs
More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year.
No ‘significant’ mover capacity problems expected for troops, DOD says
The DOD says a new task force is "fully engaged" in overseeing the process of troops' household goods moves during this peak season.
By Karen Jowers