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.
Troops who refused COVID vaccines still could face punishment
Individuals could face discipline or dismissal for failing to follow orders.
VA to get new authority over education benefits for future emergencies
The move comes in response to problems that surfaced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America.
Defense policy bill with COVID vaccine repeal heads to Biden’s desk
The measure includes plans for $817 billion in military spending in fiscal 2023 and a 4.6% pay raise for troops starting next month.
Surgeon general urges vets to get updated COVID vaccine now
Aging and infirm veterans are particularly vulnerable to complications from the virus, officials warn.
Pentagon worries repealing COVID vaccine mandate will affect readiness
Democratic House leaders now support the change, which has been a priority for congressional Republicans for months.
Military COVID-19 vaccine mandate repealed in defense bill compromise
The $858 billion measure also includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops next year and plans to backfill munition stockpiles depleted by the war in Ukraine.
VA, HHS urge veterans to get COVID shots before holiday season
More than 23,000 veterans have died from complications related to COVID-19 infections.
GOP senators threaten to block NDAA over COVID-19 vaccine mandate
They want troops dismissed for refusing the vaccine to get their jobs back and be awarded back pay.
VA study finds Paxlovid may help prevent long COVID-19 problems
The medication helped reduce the chance of long-term health complications by 25%.
VA officials confident they’re ready for the next COVID surge
Coronavirus cases among VA patients are up slightly from October 2021.
VA telehealth appointments may complicate vets’ community care options
Department leaders are looking into whether eligibility rules for outside care should change if online medical appointments are available.
‘Long COVID’ symptoms could mean major health problems for vets
New guidelines from VA officials warn physicians to watch closely for signs of ongoing, serious health issues.
VA extends debt collection relief until the end of 2022
Veterans facing financial hardship were facing a late September deadline to resume repayment of the debt.
Troops can now get Novavax as a COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax is not made with, nor tested on, cells descended from fetal tissue. It also doesn’t use mRNA to deliver the vaccine into cells.
Bids to weaken military COVID vaccine mandate stall in Congress
Democrats rejected proposals to reinstate troops already kicked out and dismiss the Defense Secretary for requiring the shots.
