Some families could have been disenrolled from the caregiver benefits program in late 2026, but will now get two more years of support. Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting. The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time. Congress passed a bill creating a new partial claim program for veterans who have fallen behind on mortgage payments. More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year. Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law. Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely. The department is about 15% ahead of its claims workload pace from last summer. Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits. The appropriations plan would add more than $80 billion to the current VA funding level, giving the department its biggest budget ever. Load More
