Latest ""
Opinion
How the VA could fix its $15 billion budget shortfall
Insurance subvention is complicated, but it could help alleviate the VA's massive budget deficit, former VA Secretary David Shulkin argues.
By David Shulkin
Congress’ defense fight to focus on pay raises, total military spending
Here’s a look at the major differences in the House and Senate bills, and the debates ahead.
House says no to returning Confederate memorial to Arlington
An amendment to the House version of the annual defense bill that would return a Confederate memorial to Arlington National Cemetery failed to pass.
House defense bill would undo Pentagon’s abortion travel policy
The benefit in question provides reimbursement of travels costs to get access to otherwise noncovered reproductive health care services.
EPA to disband Red Hill oversight group amid Navy complaints
The group was formed to give residents an open line of communication with the military after fuel from Red Hill tainted Pearl Harbor’s drinking water.
By Christina Jedra, Honolulu Civil Beat
GOP green lights FY25 defense bill, but more social fights ahead
Abortion, diversity training and COVID prevention are again hot-button issues in the military appropriations plan for next year.
US will send Ukraine another Patriot missile system
The system answers Kyiv’s calls for more air defenses as it battles against an intense Russian assault on the northeastern Kharkiv region.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Junior enlisted pay bump to cost as much as two new aircraft carriers
A plan to boost young troops' pay by an extra 15% next year will cost more than $24 billion over the next five years, officials said.
Enlisted pay raise, abortion ban included in panel’s defense budget
The annual defense appropriations bill would give all troops a 4.5% pay raise in 2025, with some enlisted troops getting a boost of nearly 20%.
Biden threatens VA budget veto over abortion, gender-affirming care
The White House is opposed to a Republican-backed VA budget plan that is expected to be advanced this week.
US, Philippines expand exercise to territorial edges amid tension with China
The U.S. is continuing to find ways to fortify defenses across the Pacific to deter China and counter its influence. The Philippines is key to that effort.
By Jen Judson