


Congressional defense plans slowed by unsettled reconciliation debate
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 23, 2025.

Veterans
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
Top lawmaker says VA, DOD leaders continue to ignore Hill requests
Sen. Richard Blumenthal said administration officials aren't providing basic information to Congress on looming plans for massive changes.

Advocates push Senate to drop changes in 90/10 rule for vets benefits
A provision in the Republican-backed reconciliation bill would roll back restrictions on what federal funds for-profit colleges can receive.

Hegseth, Collins promise fixes to post-military transition programs
VA and Pentagon leaders plan to review veteran transition programs to ensure separating troops are getting the support they need.

Pentagon orders review of military homeschool assistance programs
Officials will look at what support services are provided to families who teach their students at home and whether additional help is needed.

Lingering cost worries cloud plans for veterans disability reform bill
Advocates hope to restart momentum in Congress this year on the Major Richard Star Act.

VA drops secondary review rule for community care medical appointments
Congress last year passed legislation designed to simplify the process for veterans seeking medical help outside the VA health care system.

Congressional appropriators criticize VA’s unapproved funding moves
Department leaders shifted about $340 million in budget savings to outside health care accounts without lawmakers' OK.

Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.

Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disability claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
