House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Congress
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
Supreme Court ruling gives extra payouts to some combat-wounded vets
The high court ruled that limits on the government's combat-related special compensation program unfairly took away support for injured vets.
House panel pushes ahead $453 billion funding plan for VA next year
The appropriations plan would add more than $80 billion to the current VA funding level, giving the department its biggest budget ever.
Trump’s pick for VA watchdog role promises independence, impartiality
Former Board of Veterans Appeals Chair Cheryl Mason said her work with the Trump administration should not disqualify her from a federal watchdog role.
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Trump picks senior VA advisor to serve as top department watchdog
Cheryl Mason's shift from administration insider to department watchdog elicited concerns about her ability to be an independent voice on VA operations.
Collins, Dems spar over whether VA needs key fixes or full overhaul
Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is.
VA shifts survivors assistance office in effort to speed up benefits
Officials hope to cut down on red tape for individuals seeking support and benefits after a veteran's death.
White House budget plan gives 4% boost for VA amid other agency cuts
VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan.
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Officials launch task force to root out ‘anti-Christian bias’ in VA
The move follows an order by President Donald Trump to look for evidence of discrimination against Christians throughout the federal government.
Senate leaders set May 7 hearing to review VA budget, reform plans
VA Secretary Dog Collins will face sharp questions about his department overhaul efforts from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee next month.
