Congress moves to fix VA budget gap, but time is running out
House and Senate leaders hope to approve $3 billion in extra funding for Veterans Affairs benefits checks by Sept. 20.
Pentagon & Congress
Harris, Trump trade barbs over Afghanistan and Ukraine during debate
Both presidential candidates accused the other of endangering national security with questionable military policies.
Lawmakers demand Army sanction Trump over Arlington Cemetery visit
Three key House Democrats want Army leaders to release more files on possible rules violations during the former president's visit to the cemetery.
Decision on junior enlisted pay boost not expected until November
The House-passed draft of the authorization bill called for pay raises up to 19.5% for troops ranked E-4 and below.
As Congress returns to DC, so does the threat of a federal shutdown
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Sept. 9, 2024.
In first, F-35s land on Finnish highway to drill for future wars
The agile combat employment concept aims to disperse Air Force bases, making it impossible for adversaries to take them out with a single missile barrage.
Vets’ benefits checks could be delayed without a VA funding fix soon
VA officials have warned of a nearly $3 billion shortfall in funding for this fiscal year which could disrupt October benefits checks.
Air Force’s NGAD revamp could open up more business to smaller firms
Technology advanced faster than anticipated since the Air Force first conceived its next-gen fighter, officials said.
Marine Corps requires immediate reporting of extremism, gang activity
New guidelines aim to streamline the process to report extremism, which has been inconsistent across the services.
Expect a $833B defense budget for FY25, but not on time, lawmaker says
Rep. Rob Wittman said he expects a short-term budget deal for federal spending to be finalized before the end of the month.
Inflation has some military families ‘grasping at pennies’
With many living paycheck to paycheck, families are cutting back on everything from grocery shopping and driving to subscription services and eating out.
Years into civilian jobs, vets struggle with networking, resume skills
Labor Department officials have seen a sizable number of older veterans seeking out help with their midcareer job searches.
New F-35s can fly combat training as DOD holds millions from Lockheed
The F-35 delivery delays due to upgrade problems have slowed down the Air Force's deployment of jets to England, among other consequences.
New household goods shipment program ramping up this fall
U.S. Transportation Command is unifying and privatizing the military moving process.
Air Force wants to expand enlisted airmen exchanges with Australia
U.S. enlisted airmen must be comfortable working alongside allied and partner nations in case a conflict with China erupts, the CMSAF David Flosi said.
Army blasts Trump trip to Arlington cemetery for violating decorum
Service officials said a cemetery staffer was shoved by Trump campaign staff during the former president's visit on Monday.
Price tag for VA’s new GI Bill online platform has jumped nearly $500M
VA officials said the original $453 million contract for the work has now been updated 25 times. The new price tag for the project is $932 million.
