GOP lawmakers target diversity training, COVID rules in defense bill
The annual defense authorization bill debate in the House focused mainly on hot-button social issues.
Coronavirus | COVID-19 Updates
Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices
Masks will still be mandated for some high-risk areas or facilities with rising virus numbers.
Special leave accrual may continue for service members affected by pandemic restrictions
The service secretaries have been tasked with identifying deployable ships, mobile units or other duties where COVID-19 restrictions limit the ability for service members to take leave.
VA promises renewed focus on preventing homelessness amid pandemic impact concerns
VA Secretary Denis McDonough also promises quick action on issues surrounding homeless prevention efforts in Los Angeles.
Homelessness among vets could spike as pandemic protections vanish, advocates warn
Estimates of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the veterans homeless population won't be available until later this fall.
VA benefits backlog likely won’t be fixed until late 2022
About 191,000 cases have been pending for four months or more, almost three times the pre-pandemic level.
Troops heading home as COVID-19 mass vaccination sites close up shop
By the end of Tuesday, the FEMA mass vaccination sites will be down to five.
Zero COVID deaths among Veterans Affairs patients for the first time in 14 months
At least one death from the virus was reported by VA officials for 433 consecutive days.
Arlington Cemetery loosens pandemic restrictions ahead of Memorial Day
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and cemetery welcome center reopened to the public this week after more than a year of limited access.
VA to lift all restrictions on cemetery visits ahead of Memorial Day
The new rules go into effect on May 26, less than a week before the holiday.
You want to ditch the mask? Get vaxxed, says Pentagon
The Pentagon is making another push to get more troops vaccinated.
