Author Archive
Defense
Lawmakers Attack Obama Administration’s Strategy in Iraq
Members of Congress doubt Iraqi government can root out terrorists.
Management
Does the Next VA Secretary Face an Impossible Task?
Senators have a long to-do list for nominee Robert McDonald, expecting him to succeed where his predecessors have failed.
Management
Are Budget Battles Slowing Health Care Reforms for Veterans?
Congress is struggling to push legislation over the finish line in response to reports that veterans seeking health care have been left languishing on secret wait lists.
Oversight
Remember the Veterans Health Care Crisis?
Here's what Congress needs to do to push reform legislation over the final hump before campaign season hits.
Management
Big Hurdle for the VA Bill Is Its Price Tag
Reform measures would cost more than originally expected, CBO estimates.
Oversight
Senate, House Expected to Name Conferees for VA Legislation Wednesday
Both chambers have passed bills making it easier to fire VA employees, among other reforms.
Oversight
Congress Could Almost Be Done With VA Reform for the Year
Senate passes bill making it easier to fire incompetent VA officials and expanding veterans' access to health care.
Oversight
Senate Majority Leader Promises Immediate Action on VA Reforms
Reid says the chamber will vote as soon as a bill is ready.
Management
4 Things Washington Could Do Right Now to Fix the VA
None of them involve floor speeches or finger-pointing.
Management
The VA Is a Disgrace. Is Obama to Blame?
Obama, Bush, Congress, and presidents going back to JFK all bear some of the responsibility.
Defense
Obama Has Every Reason to Fix the VA. Why Hasn't He?
The candidate made taking care of veterans a pledge and a priority.
Defense
Ryan Budget Calls for Return to Pre-Sequester Defense Spending
Budget chairman takes from nondefense to boost defense spending beyond Obama.
Defense
A Tale of Two Budget Wish Lists
The Pentagon and Congress will have to compete over limited cash.
Defense
Senators Rekindle Debate After High-Profile Military Sexual-Assault Case
Democrats Gillibrand and McCaskill both see vindication after charges are dismissed against Army general.
Pay & Benefits
Are Veterans Getting the Money They Deserve in Latest Budget?
Lawmakers are skeptical that the growing needs of veterans can be met with the amount requested.
Defense
Democratic Senator Blames White House in Failure of Military Sexual-Assault Bill
Kirsten Gillibrand says legislation to strip commanders of their power to decide which sexual-assault cases are prosecuted would have succeeded if President Obama had pushed for it.
Oversight
Gillibrand's Military Sexual-Assault Bill Fails in Senate
The controversial legislation, which the New York Democrat said she would continue to fight for, would strip commanders of the power to decide which sexual assault cases are prosecuted.
Pay & Benefits
Military Groups Brace for Battle Against Higher Health Care Costs
Lawmakers expected to stall on benefit cuts in midterm election year.
Pay & Benefits
The Politics of Process Plague Senate Vets Bill
A rift between Democrats and Republicans over amendments is threatening legislation that would reverse an unpopular cut to veterans’ pensions.
Pay & Benefits
Congress Extends Sequester to Pay for Veterans Benefits
The legislation restores a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment to military retirees' pensions by extending the mandatory sequester cuts an additional year.
