

House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
Rep. Mike Bost said he trusts that administration plans to dramatically reduce the VA workforce will not cut into veterans benefits and care.

Education & Transition
Students sue Defense Department over book bans in military schools
The case involves 12 students from six families who attend military-run schools in Virginia, Kentucky, Italy and Japan.

Senator pushes for new rules letting academy athletes play pro sports
A proposed policy allowing academy athletes to defer their military service to play pro sports could be included in the annual defense authorization bill.

‘Obviously classified’: Experts say Hegseth chat leaks invited danger
Former U.S. defense officials said the unsecured messaging chain could have jeopardized the operation and put American lives at risk.

Some VA employees’ overtime pay will be delayed by software problems
Software handling timecards for VA employees has been malfunctioning for nearly a week, prompting concerns about paycheck delays.

Military moves are improving some under new contract, general claims
After months' of problems, officials are seeing fewer claims tied to delays in shipments.

Lawmaker aims to protect troops from squatters
Homeowners, including some service members, have faced extensive, expensive legal processes to get trespassers removed.

White House, DOD deny that Hegseth leaked military secrets in chat app
Administration officials acknowledged that top leaders used a non-government group chat to coordinate ahead of military airstrikes in Yemen.

Senate confirms Phelan as next Navy Secretary
The Navy's new top civilian leader has said the service is in desperate need of reform and innovation.

Top Trump officials accidentally shared war plans with media
Hegseth reportedly assured chat participants that “we are currently clean on OPSEC” despite the accidental inclusion of a journalist.

With FY2025 spending settled, lawmakers shift focus to FY2026 budget
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of March 24, 2025.
