Department leaders shifted about $340 million in budget savings to outside health care accounts without lawmakers' OK. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025. The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January. Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025. Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is. The administration framed the budget as a 13% increase, but that includes a spending package Congress has yet to pass. VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan. Officials said they are encouraged by the drop in reports of sexual violence but warned the problem still poses a threat to force readiness. Veterans advocates said the move to reopen the 90/10 loophole could once again allow predatory institutions to prey upon student veterans. Load More
