


Rules for military base visitors still missing after years of waiting
Defense leaders had promised changes on visitor access to bases four years ago, but entry standards remain unfinished.

Ukraine
Accounting error means Pentagon can send more weapons to Ukraine
The Pentagon has overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by at least $3 billion.

VA hopes to end mandatory overtime for its claims processors
Staffers have been required to work up to 4 hours a week, or more than two extra days each month, to clear backlogged and overdue disability claims.

Despite failures so far, VA inks new Oracle Cerner health records deal
The electronic medical records project has been halted amid ongoing problems with the rollout.

GOP's proposed vets benefits change kicks off new lawmaker slugfest
Republican lawmakers want changes to a fund designed to protect money for veterans benefits payouts.

‘Devastating’ debt default threatens troop pay, defense programs
If Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling, payments to troops, veterans and defense contractors could cease as soon as June.

Cleaning toxic military sites will take decades without more funding
Advocates want congressional appropriators to double the budget for military clean up efforts in fiscal 2024.

Camp Lejeune’s poisoned water caused higher rates of Parkinson’s
The findings again highlight the harm done by toxic chemicals to military families stationed at the site.

Debt limit fight stalls lawmakers’ defense budget work
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 15, 2023.

Dems accuse GOP lawmaker of condoning white supremacy among troops
Republicans say few service members harbor extremist views. Democrats say it's still a problem worth fixing.

What could derail great power competition? A terrorist attack.
Special operations must continue counterterrorism and crisis response while also competing with peer adversaries such as Russia and China, experts said.

Pacific fleet commander to brief China committee on Taiwan defense
Adm. Samuel Paparo will brief the bipartisan committee on plans to thwart a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

SecDef says Senate confirmation fight hurts national security
The letter from Lloyd Austin is the latest criticism of Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold of all senior military moves.

Defense budget bill hit with delay over debt ceiling fight
The House’s markup of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act — initially scheduled for this week — is now postponed.

Veterans unemployment is at historic lows. Can it last?
Officials said about 184,000 vets couldn't find work last month, the lowest total in at least 23 years.

First looks at major 2024 defense policy bill come this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 8, 2023.

Former SecDefs blast senator over ‘irresponsible’ nomination holds
The seven former military leaders said holding up confirmations hurts military operations.

Support services for homeless veterans set to expire
Aid programs for homeless vets will end unless Congress speeds through new legislation.
