Vets in Congress demand answers over pregnant aviator policy reversal
Female veterans in Congress are calling on Pete Hegseth to answer for a reversal of a policy that allowed female pilots to fly for more of their pregnancy.
Pentagon & Congress
DOD issues guidance to advance civilian workforce overhaul
DOD civilian employee roles that do not facilitate "lethality" should be assessed for restructuring or elimination, the memo states.
US Forces Korea commander defends troop levels amid talk of cuts
About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, but the White House is considering changes to that military footprint.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll tapped as acting head of ATF operations
In an unusual move, Daniel Driscoll will serve in Defense Department and Justice Department leadership roles.
Hegseth vows US will ‘take back’ Panama canal from Chinese influence
Panama's president has denied claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that America is literally retaking the canal.
Pentagon begins outreach to reenlist troops booted for COVID vaccine
The Defense Department is offering back pay to service members who were involuntarily separated after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Troops need better health care access, top enlisted tell lawmakers
Funding shortages and Tricare contract problems continue to plague the military health care system, senior enlisted leaders told lawmakers.
Trump administration in early talks to hold military parade in DC
The administration has reportedly reached out to the city about holding a parade on June 14 that would stretch from Arlington, Virginia, into Washington.
Leaders expect big enlisted pay raise won’t cause new financial woes
Lawmakers expressed concerns that extra money for young troops could make some families ineligible for federal nutrition programs.
Trump promises $1 trillion in defense spending for next year
Trump's plan for a huge increase in defense spending next fiscal year would mean billions more for equipment and training.
Top US admiral at NATO removed amid Trump’s growing military firings
Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield represented the U.S. in NATO's Military Commission, the alliance's leading military board.
VA secretary to testify on department budget needs, workforce cuts
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of April 7, 2025.
Hegseth to visit Panama as Trump says US is ‘reclaiming’ its canal
The Trump administration has discussed the Panama Canal as part of its goal to expand America's territory.
VA leaders to halt mortgage rescue program launched last year
The Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program aimed to help financially strapped veterans get lower interest rates and avoid eviction from their homes.
Trump fires 4-star general heading NSA, US Cyber Command
Gen. Tim Haugh had served as director of the National Security Agency and headed U.S. Cyber Command since 2023.
Defense officials considering cuts to military treatment facilities
Officials are examining facilities across the military medical system, which could mean closing some facilities or downgrading some hospitals to clinics.
Watchdog to investigate Hegseth’s sharing of airstrike info on Signal
The Defense Inspector General's Office will look into whether the defense secretary improperly shared sensitive information on the commercial app.
