Sending a military care package to the Middle East? Check this list first
The U.S. Postal Service temporarily suspended mail services in 28 military ZIP codes in the Middle East.
Health Care
Military hospitals, clinics resume billing civilians following 3-year pause
An estimated 137,000 civilians are expected to receive bills for medical care they received at military hospitals and clinics since 2023.
VA to formally rescind controversial disability ratings rule
A policy requiring VA medical examiners to include effects of medication in assigning disability ratings is expected to be formally rescinded on Feb. 27.
No tax on troops’ $1,776 ‘warrior dividend,’ IRS says
Troops who received an unexpected $1,776 one-time payment in December won’t have to pay taxes on that money, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed.
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.
Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
VA cancels plans for employee satisfaction survey this year
VA has conducted a poll of federal employees every year since 2006, but won't distrubute one this year amid multiple reforms to the workforce.
VA severs ties with most federal unions, terminating worker contracts
About 80% of VA's roughly 450,000 employees are union members, but the department will no longer honor its contracts with the bargaining units.
After delay, Senate confirms Sam Brown to lead VA memorial affairs
The combat-wounded veteran and former Senate hopeful will oversee operations at hundreds of VA cemeteries and memorial sites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nurses rally outside VA hospitals to highlight staff cuts, vacancies
VA nurses across the U.S. are protesting Trump administration moves that they say endanger the health of veterans and federal workers.
VA plans to cut hundreds of payroll jobs at regional medical sites
The decision to cut about 300 medical center payroll jobs and move about 300 more are part of broader efforts to reduce the size of the VA workforce.
