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.
Pentagon & Congress
Lunday picked to serve as next Coast Guard commandant
The acting leader of the service was announced as President Donald Trump's pick to fill the top Coast Guard post permanently.
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
Confirmation hearing for Trump’s VA Sec pick delayed over FBI check
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
New Senate Vet Affairs chair plans focus on care access, mental health
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time.
Trump picks Senate candidate Sam Brown to head VA memorial affairs
The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role.
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
Vets won’t see disruptions in VA services amid White House changes
VA leaders have pledged to keep services operating normally, even as several senior staffers depart office.
VA eases benefits rules for cancers from Post-9/11 service, K2 tours
Gulf War veterans and Post-9/11 vets suffereing from leukemia and bladder cancer will get presumptive benefits status under a new decision by VA.
Advocates reach deal with DOD on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ dismissals
The new deal could help tens of thousands of veterans previously kicked out of the ranks under the military's former 'don't ask, don't tell' policy.
