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.
Oversight
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.
Lenders voice concerns over decision to end VA home loan rescue effort
VA officials previously announced plans to end the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program May 1.
Senator vows to hold all VA nominees over planned staff cuts
Plans to cut more than 80,000 staffers from VA offices would severely hurt benefits delivery, said Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps vet.
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
Watchdog blasts VA leaders for exaggerating budget shortfall last year
Investigators said that VA officials had enough budget flexibility all of last year despite repeated warnings of a possible funding shortfall.
Uncertainty is the only constant in the Pentagon’s budget outlook
“It’s going to be kind of a disaster,” one military official said about the lack of a full budget, which means more limits on how the Pentagon spends.
