Latest news with #HouseVeterans'Affairs
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Congress will head into its Memorial Day recess at the end of this week with a host of unanswered questions about the annual budget process, including a detailed plan of what the White House hopes to fund — and cut — in fiscal 2026. Last week, both Republicans and Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee expressed frustration that the administration still has not released in-depth budget plans for federal departments and agencies, despite the current fiscal year being halfway complete. White House officials on May 2 released a 'skinny' budget plan with broad funding goals for the year, but said a detailed plan will come later this summer. Appropriators said that limits much of their work, which typically takes six to nine months after the president's budget outline. The delays — coupled with ongoing congressional fights over the reconciliation budget bill — raise concerns about another possible partial government shutdown at the end of this fiscal year, Sept. 30. Lawmakers have only 10 weeks of legislative work scheduled between now and that deadline. House Veterans' Affairs — 3 p.m. — 360 Cannon Software Licensing Management Department officials will testify on software contracts and the fiscal 2026 budget. Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen Air Force/Space Force Budget Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen State Department Budget Secretary of State Marco Rubio will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Appropriations — 10 a.m. — 2358-C Rayburn Member Day Lawmakers will provide their priorities for the Veterans Affairs and military construction budget request for fiscal 2026. House Appropriations — 10 a.m. — 2359 Rayburn Guard/Reserves Forces National Guard and Reserve leaders will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. Senate Armed Services — 10:30 a.m. — 222 Russell Atomic Energy Activities Department officials will testify on Department of Defense nuclear weapons programs and the fiscal 2026 budget request. Senate Appropriations — 2 p.m. — 138 Dirksen State Department Budget Secretary of State Marco Rubio will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn State Department Budget Secretary of State Marco Rubio will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Veterans' Affairs — 10:30 a.m. — 360 Cannon Adaptative Programs Department officials will testify on available adaptative programs for disabled veterans. Senate Armed Services — 2:30 p.m. — 222 Russell Information Networks Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, will testify on department information networks and areas of improvement. Senate Veterans' Affairs — 4 p.m. — 418 Russell Pending Legislation Members will consider several pending bills, including the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act. House Foreign Affairs — 9 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn Sudan Outside experts will testify on humanitarian challenges in Sudan. House Foreign Affairs — 9 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn South/Central Asia Outside experts will testify on security challenges in South and Central Asia. Senate Appropriations — 10:30 a.m. — 192 Dirksen Guard/Reserves Forces National Guard and Reserve leaders will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
House Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost doesn't know what the full impact of cutting tens of thousands of federal workers from Veterans Affairs payrolls will be, but he is confident it won't cripple the department. 'The amount of people who have been let go so far is minimal,' the Republican congressman from Illinois said during a recent sit-down with Military Times. 'I trust [VA Secretary Doug Collins] when he has said that no one is going to lose their benefits. We're going to provide good, quality care. 'What we're doing is we're realigning VA so that can be done correctly, it can be done efficiently and in the best way for the veteran.' Veterans Affairs leaders have announced plans to trim up to 80,000 staffers from the department's workforce as part of broader efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy. As department officials spar with congressional Democrats over the looming staff reductions, Bost's role as chairman of the House's primary veterans policy committee sits squarely in the middle of the conflict. He has accused his Democratic colleagues of 'fear tactics' for their insistence that cuts of that scope will take away veterans' benefits and services. But he has also promised close scrutiny of plans from Collins and VA leaders to ensure that those predictions don't come true. 'I trust Secretary Collins, but that doesn't stop me from being the chairman that has oversight over this issue,' Bost said. 'We will continue to do that. I have made the commitment to veterans around this nation that the services that they receive are still going to be quality services, hopefully better services, and hopefully done more efficiently. 'Remember this: veterans are not just veterans, they're also taxpayers.' VA plans to cut hundreds of payroll jobs at regional medical sites Similar to Collins' public statements, Bost said he believes the Department of Veterans Affairs is in need of fundamental changes after years of unchecked increases, both in terms of spending authority and employee hiring. 'Unfortunately, we've had an overgrowth of bureaucracy,' he said. 'We do want change. We want to make it better. We want to make it better for the veteran. We want to make it so that money that we spend is spent wisely to provide for the veteran, not just to grow bureaucracy.' About 480,000 federal employees currently work within the department, the majority in VA hospitals and medical centers spread throughout the country. That total is up about 20% from when Trump left office in 2020. The workforce grew after years of increased pressures on VA operations, including a massive expansion of military toxic exposure benefits in 2022 that has led to record-high disability benefits applications and increases in medical visits. Bost is pushing for increased access to community care appointments to help with that surge, a move that has prompted additional criticism from congressional Democrats for potentially taking away responsibilities and resources from VA. But he'll also have to oversee hearings later this spring on the staffing cuts, a showdown that is likely to inject even more political fights into the issue of veterans' care. 'The question is, is that money being spent wisely?' Bost said. 'We're gonna do everything we can to make sure it's spent the way it's supposed to be.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
With FY2025 spending settled, lawmakers shift focus to FY2026 budget
Congress returns to Capitol Hill this week with a budget plan in place for the rest of fiscal 2025 but uncertainty over when lawmakers will have an outline for federal spending in fiscal 2026. Earlier this month, Congress finalized spending plans for federal programs through September, lifting the threat of a possible government shutdown until this fall. But the extended delay in settling the current budget has pushed back the timeline for the next round of budget debates, which are typically well underway by late March. The White House has yet to unveil spending levels and program priorities for fiscal 2026, a process that usually begins in early February in non-transition years and by early April when a new administration takes office. Once those guidelines are suggested, House and Senate appropriators will take the rest of the spring and summer parsing those levels, with the hope of reaching a full-year budget agreement by Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year. House Veterans' Affairs — 3 p.m. — 360 Cannon Community Providers VA officials and outside advocates will testify on ways to improve interoperability between department clinics and community health care providers. House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — 2200 Rayburn African Resources Outside experts will testify on Chinese involvement in Africa. House Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn State Department Administrative Services Outside experts will testify on ways to streamline State Department operations. Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419 Pending nominations The committee will consider several pending nominations. House Veterans' Affairs — 10:15 a.m. — 360 Cannon VA Transition Assistance VA officials and outside advocates will testify on ways to improve transition services for individuals leaving the military. House Veterans' Affairs — 2:15 p.m. — 360 Cannon Pending Legislation The subcommittee on health will consider several pending bills. Senate Armed Services — 2:30 p.m. — 222 Russell Conventional Surface Shipbuilding Vice Adm. James Downey, head of Naval Sea Systems Command, will testify on current shipbuilding goals and challenges. Senate Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — 232-A Russell AI Cyber Capabilities Outside experts will testify on potential uses of artificial intelligence for the defense community. House Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — 2116 Rayburn Transportation Command Gen. Randall Reed, head of U.S. Transportation Command, will testify on fiscal 2026 budget needs. Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — 106 Dirksen Strategic and Space Command Gen. Anthony Cotton, head of U.S. Strategic Command, and Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, will testify on fiscal 2026 budget needs. House Select Intelligence — 10 a.m. — 1100 Longworth Worldwide Threats Assessment Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and FBI Director Kash Patel will testify on threats facing America. Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen Indo-Pacific Alliances Outside experts will testify on U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. House Veterans' Affairs — 10:15 a.m. — 360 Cannon Pending Legislation The subcommittee on disability assistance will consider several pending bills. Senate Armed Services — 2:30 p.m. — 222 Russell Military Service Academies Superintendents from the three service academies will testify on current operations and challenges. House Armed Services — 3:30 p.m. — 2118 Rayburn Special Operations Forces Colby Jenkins, acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and Gen. Bryan Fenton, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, will testify on fiscal 2026 budget needs. Senate Foreign Relations — 11 a.m. — Capitol S-116 Pending Business The committee will consider several pending bills.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nominees for Navy secretary, No. 2 Pentagon post to face lawmakers
Senate leaders will hold confirmation hearings this week for a pair of senior Pentagon officials as the chamber continues efforts to get President Donald Trump's key military leadership into office. On Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing for Stephen Feinberg to be deputy secretary of defense, the second-highest official at the department. Feinberg is the co-founder of the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, with a personal net worth in the billions. On Thursday, the committee will consider the nomination of John Pehlan to be Navy Secretary. Like Feinberg, Phelan is the founder of a private investment firm and has no previous military service. Senate leaders have yet to announce the timing of a vote for Trump's pick to lead the Army, Daniel Driscoll, whose confirmation hearing was held Jan. 30. His nomination was advanced by the committee but has not made it to the full chamber floor. House Veterans' Affairs — 3 p.m. — 360 Cannon VA Health Records Department officials will provide updates on the electronic health records modernization effort. Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen Nominations The committee will consider the nomination of Stephen Feinberg to be Deputy Secretary of Defense. Senate Homeland Security — 9:30 a.m. — 342 Dirksen Nominations The committee will consider the nomination of Troy Edgar to be Homeland Security Deputy Secretary. House Oversight — 10 a.m. — 2247 Rayburn Emerging Global Threats Outside experts will testify on emerging global threats. House and Senate Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — 390 Cannon Veterans Organizations Advocates including Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and others will present their priorities for 2025. House Veterans' Affairs — 2 p.m. — 360 Cannon Pending Legislation Lawmakers will consider several bills, including the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — 2172 Rayburn Pacific Region Outside experts will testify on U.S. policy in the Pacific region House Appropriations — 3 p.m. — H-140 Capitol Member Day Lawmakers will offer their priorities for the fiscal 2026 defense budget. House and Senate Veterans' Affairs — 10 a.m. — 390 Cannon Veterans Organizations Advocates including the American Legion, Minority Veterans of America, and Military Officers Association of America will present their priorities for 2025. House Science — 10 a.m. — 2318 Rayburn NASA Artemis Program Outside experts will discuss NASA goals for the upcoming Artemis program. House Armed Services — 10 a.m. — 2118 Rayburn Defense Industrial Base Outside experts will testify on issues with the defense industrial base. House Oversight — 11 a.m. — Visitors Center H210 U.S. Foreign Aid Outside experts will testify on concerns with U.S. foreign aid practices. House Armed Services — 1:30 p.m. — 2118 Rayburn Special Operations Officials from the services' special forces branches will testify on challenges and successes in their missions. Senate Homeland Security — 9 a.m. — 342 Dirksen Nominations The committee will vote on the nomination of Troy Edgar to be Homeland Security Deputy Secretary. Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen Phelan Nomination The committee will consider the nomination of John Phelan to be Secretary of the Navy.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Congress starts work this week on annual defense authorization bill
Lawmakers this week will unofficially kick off their work on the annual defense authorization bill with a Senate hearing looking at the challenges facing Northern Command and Southern Command. The event, being held by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, is not formally billed as part of the authorization bill process. But testimony from leaders of the two commands will help inform the massive defense policy bill to be drafted in coming months, and similar hearings from other military departments are expected to ramp up throughout the spring. House Armed Services Committee officials said they expect to begin their work on the legislation by the end of this month, hopefully after a few more key Defense Department officials are confirmed by the Senate. The authorization bill typically takes about 10 months to wind through the two congressional chambers, but it's considered must-pass legislation because of the pay and benefits authorities for troops that it contains. Even amid political divisions on Capitol Hill, the bill has been adopted annually for more than six decades. Last year's bill featured a significant pay raise for junior enlisted troops and a host of quality-of-life improvements for the entire military force. This year's bill could reinforce President Donald Trump's national security priorities, including improving recruiting and limiting diversity programs in the ranks. House Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — 310 Cannon China Port Investments Outside experts will testify on Chinese investments in foreign ports and the implications for U.S. security. House Veterans' Affairs — 10:15 a.m. — 360 Cannon Veterans Education Services VA officials and outside advocates will testify on accessibility of veterans education benefits. Senate Commerce — 10 a.m. — 253 Russell Greenland Outside experts will testify on U.S. interests in Greenland and the Arctic. House Veterans' Affairs — 2:15 p.m. — 360 Cannon VA Community Care VA officials and outside advocates will testify on the availability of medical appointments for veterans. House Foreign Affairs — 8:30 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn USAID Outside officials will testify on past problems with the U.S. Agency for International Development and future reforms. Senate Armed Services — 9:30 a.m. — G-50 Dirksen Northern/Southern Command Adm. Alvin Holsey, head of U.S. Southern Command, and Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command, will testify on current threats and challenges for their agencies. Senate Homeland Security — 10 a.m. — 342 Dirksen Foreign Aid Waste Outside officials will testify on past problems with inefficiency and waste in U.S. foreign aid programs. Senate Foreign Relations — 10:30 a.m. — 419 Dirksen Syria Outside analysts will testify on the security situation in Syria and challenges for U.S. policy in the region.
