Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Feb. 11, 2025. Numerous Indigenous veterans are currently being reviewed as potential recipients of the Medal of Honor — more than a century after they served. Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House. Key lawmakers grew frustrated with the F-35 program earlier this year, as critical upgrades stalled and jets piled up at Lockheed Martin's Texas factory. A provision in the must-pass defense measure would block certain military medical care options for transgender youth. The Air Force currently bars airmen and guardians from growing beards, except for those who have a shaving waiver for medical or religious reasons. After lawmakers agreed to plans to boost pay for junior enlisted troops, they are now shifting focus to more senior enlisted members. Troops E-4 and below will see a 14.5% pay raise under a deal reached by congressional negotiators this week. In a letter to Senate leaders, House lawmakers said the military must enact more quality-of-life reforms to ensure the health of troops and their families. An estimated 325,000 military families are struggling with having enough food each week. Load More
