Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Oversight
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.
GOP senators eye legislative guardrails as VA prepares mass job cuts
GOP Senate leaders said they are working with VA officials on ways to ensure that plans to cut 80,000 jobs don't dismantle department services.
DOD civilian employees given $1 spending limit for travel cards
The Pentagon is freezing travel and government credit cards for civilian employees to comply with DOGE's cost-savings initiatives.
Stopgap budget bill includes extra funds for military, VA programs
The six-month budget bill must be approved by lawmakers before Friday night to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Congress readies troop pay protections as federal shutdown looms again
If lawmakers do not pass a new budget bill by March 14, funding for most federal programs and serives will run out.
VA secretary insists massive staff cuts needed to refocus department
Secretary Doug Collins confirmed leaders are looking at trimming 80,000 workers to slim down the growing VA bureaucracy.
Cuts to staff, budget will boost military strength, Hegseth says
Hegseth promised to reinvest budget savings in other military programs and jettison civilian workers who are not living up to expectations.
