

VA’s #2 leader downplays political strife between Congress, department
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting.

Pentagon & Congress
Senate panel backs plans for $456 billion VA budget next year
The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time.

LA unrest cancels more than 600 appointments at city’s VA clinic
The Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center has been clsoed since Monday because of ongoing security concerns related to immigration protests.

Hegseth won’t rule out military actions against Greenland, Panama
The defense secretary dodged questions from lawmakers about possible Defense Department plans against the allied territories.

Former VA Secretary McDonough to host town hall countering DC parade
The Friday night discussion on veterans issues is part of a series of events from Democrats scheduled around the controversial Army parade in Washington.

House panel pushes ahead $453 billion funding plan for VA next year
The appropriations plan would add more than $80 billion to the current VA funding level, giving the department its biggest budget ever.

Panel advances defense budget despite missing details from White House
The $832 billion defense spending plan provides no increase from current fiscal year funding levels.

Bipartisan House proposal aims to speed up defense acquisition work
The proposal could be the template for significant reform plans this year in how the military plans and buys new weapons systems.

Transgender vet sues VA over decision to halt hormone therapy meds
VA officials in March announced plans to end all transgender-related health care programs, a move advocates say will hurt veterans.

Hegseth returns to Capitol Hill to defend Trump’s defense budget plan
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 8, 2025.

‘Unite for Vets’ rally calls for Trump to abandon planned cuts at VA
Thousands of veterans gathered in Washington on Friday to rally against potential cuts to veterans services and staffing.
