Pick to lead VA benefits work faces criticism over reform proposals
Several Democratic lawmakers argued nominee Karen Brazell’s non-answers about the potential for benefits eligibility changes should be disqualifying.
Pentagon & Congress
Veterans volunteer longer, vote more often than civilian peers: report
Fewer veterans are donating their free time to charities today then they did four years ago, but their involvement remains strong.
Trump plans to patrol DC with National Guard on Thursday
The president told a radio show host that he hopes to get a first-hand view of the National Guard presence on the streets of the nation's capital.
VA cancels plans for employee satisfaction survey this year
VA has conducted a poll of federal employees every year since 2006, but won't distrubute one this year amid multiple reforms to the workforce.
New Tricare Prime option coming to beneficiaries in 2 metro areas
About 150,000 eligible beneficiaries can enroll for the demonstration program during open season.
Crackdown on mail-in ballots won’t focus on military, White House says
The White House won't say if any protections are being considered for overseas military voters but vowed to make sure those ballots are still counted.
VA needs more oversight of health care options to prevent waste: Study
Department leaders last month uncovered more than $100 million in duplicate government payments for medical services.
Timely payments for Guard deployed to DC a concern, lawmaker says
A top Senate Democrat is still awaiting clarity on when Guard troops patrolling the nation's capital will be compensated for that military duty.
Some airmen face delayed PCS moves because of funding problems
The delays primarily affect those without orders in hand with a departure date between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.
VA severs ties with most federal unions, terminating worker contracts
About 80% of VA's roughly 450,000 employees are union members, but the department will no longer honor its contracts with the bargaining units.
Five soldiers shot in attack at Georgia’s Fort Stewart
The installation was locked down shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday.
