Convicted veterans among Jan. 6 rioters granted pardons, commutations
About 230 people with military backgrounds were charged in connection with the attack and have now been granted clemency by President Trump.
Pentagon & Congress
VA secretary nominee promises more medical care options and upgrades
Nominee Doug Collins said he wants to expand VA's community care program while still strengthening the existing department health care system.
Coast Guard commandant fired after Trump returns to White House
Adm. Linda Fagan had served in the top Coast Guard role since June 2022 and was the first uniformed woman to lead a military branch.
Key Senate confirmation moves follow Trump’s inauguration
Defense and veterans hearings for the week of Jan. 20, 2025.
Trump promises to bring back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Both Trump and his pick to lead the Pentagon have promised back pay for troops dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lawmakers again push to ease firing rules for misbehaving VA staff
Punishing underperforming VA workers was a priority during Trump's first term. Congressional leaders want to zero in on the problem again.
Multi-year outreach blitz helped bring more vets into VA services
Department leaders have used high-profile partnerships and ad campaigns to reach out to veterans perviously leery of VA programs.
Watchdog rebukes VA over failure to refund $110M in medical fees
The Office of Special Counsel said VA owes about $110 million to nearly 1 million veterans for voided medical co-pays.
Pentagon report backs quality-of-life tweaks, not major pay changes
The periodic review of military compensation called troops' pay "strongly competitive" when compared to civilian wages.
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
Confirmation hearing for Trump’s VA Sec pick delayed over FBI check
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
New Senate Vet Affairs chair plans focus on care access, mental health
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time.
Blitz of confirmation hearings includes VA, DOD secretary picks
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 13, 2025.
Trump picks Senate candidate Sam Brown to head VA memorial affairs
The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role.
Vets won’t see disruptions in VA services amid White House changes
VA leaders have pledged to keep services operating normally, even as several senior staffers depart office.
VA eases benefits rules for cancers from Post-9/11 service, K2 tours
Gulf War veterans and Post-9/11 vets suffereing from leukemia and bladder cancer will get presumptive benefits status under a new decision by VA.
Perry Dahl, one of the last living WWII fighter aces, dies at 101
Flying his P-38 Lightning, nicknamed Skidoo, Dahl shot down more than five enemy planes in the Pacific.
