If confirmed, Troy Meink would inherit key decisions about the Air Force's fighter force and how to right-size the Space Force as it takes on new missions. About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations. At stake is the military's ability to adjust to the future of war and compete with China, its main rival. The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week. Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 13, 2025. The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role. The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Trump's defense secretary pick next Tuesday. VA leaders have pledged to keep services operating normally, even as several senior staffers depart office. Load More
