Trump urges House to vote quickly to end partial government shutdown
Voting could begin as soon as Tuesday, which would be day four of the partial shutdown. The Pentagon, among other agencies, saw its funding lapse Saturday.
Congress
Veterans health shake-up, reforms to get underway in coming months
The reorganization of the VA health system should result in improvements to medical facilities, increased oversight and better access, officials said.
‘Department of War’ rebrand could cost up to $125 million, CBO says
A “modest implementation” of DOW would cost taxpayers about $10 million, the report said. That figure could rise to $125 million if adopted more broadly.
Another federal shutdown threat looms as Congress heads back to DC
Democratic leaders want answers on a path towards compromise on a host of federal budget fights before the end of next month.
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.
Senate confirms senior VA advisor to become next department watchdog
The incoming VA Inspector General, Cheryl Mason, worked for several months alongside the senior VA leaders she will now be charged with investigating.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
House advances $832 billion military budget plan for next fiscal year
Only a few Democrats broke ranks to support the House's spending plan for Defense Department operations in fiscal 2026.
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.
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.
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.