Welcome back, and we hope you had a restful break! Congress is officially back in session, and the Nimitz team is recharged, refocused, and ready to dive in. As we ease into the rhythm of the new session, we’re keeping a close eye on three key hearings this week from the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees. These discussions will center around veterans’ mental health, the state of veterans homes, and VA mental health policy.

Looking ahead to May, we’d love your help in spreading the word about the Nimitz Report and Nimitz News Flashes. If you find our publications valuable, please feel free to pass them along to colleagues and friends who may benefit from staying connected. We’re always glad to be a resource and look forward to continuing to deliver updates and insights that matter.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Secretary Collins preps for SVAC: SecVA to testify next week

• Bias tackling or witch hunt?: Taskforce to investigate alleged anti-Christian bias at the VA

• “Wait, not us!”: Telehealth therapists raise privacy concerns amid return-to-work mandates

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Tuesday, April 29th

• 🖤 Full Committee Hearing: “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Outreach to Support Veterans’ Mental Health,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 10:30 am. Watch here.

• 🏠 Subcommittee Hearing: “Dignity Denied: The Case for Reform at State Veterans Homes,” House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) Health Subcommittee at 2:15 pm. Watch here.

Wednesday, April 30th

• 🖤 Subcommittee Hearing: “Answering the Call: Examining VA’s Mental Health Policies,” HVAC Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee at 10 am. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

VA Secretary Doug Collins will appear before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee next week to outline the department’s reform plans and fiscal 2026 budget priorities. The hearing accompanies growing criticism from Senate Democrats, some of whom have withdrawn support for Sec. Collins amid concerns about rumored job cuts, canceled support for transgender veterans, and the dismantling of diversity programs. SVAC Chairman Jerry Moran has claimed that the hearing will give lawmakers a chance to question the Secretary on his long-term vision for the VA and recent departmental changes.

Over the weekend, House Republicans published legislation that would increase Defense Department spending by $150 billion. If passed, this would push total defense spending for the fiscal year past the $1 trillion mark for the first time. The bill includes nearly $25 billion for President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative and is part of the broader budget reconciliation package under consideration. House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers described the bill as a “historic investment” to restore American military strength, while Senate Chair Roger Wicker called it a “generational upgrade” in defense capabilities.

Veteran News

The VA has launched a taskforce to investigate alleged anti-Christian bias in the department, directing staff to report instances involving discrimination or retaliation tied to Christian beliefs. This move follows President Trump’s executive order to end what he called the “anti-Christian weaponization of government” across federal agencies. The VA’s internal email instructed employees to submit detailed reports of incidents, particularly those involving vaccine exemptions, abortion, or hormone therapy objections. Several vocal critics argue that the effort is a political ploy to elevate Christian nationalism and identify those of opposing views.

A new survey of post-9/11 veterans has revealed widespread frustration with recent mishandling of military intelligence and concern over potential cuts to federal services. Conducted by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Columbia University, the poll found that over half of veterans were less confident in U.S. national security since President Trump’s inauguration, with 86% calling for accountability over leaked airstrike plans shared via Signal by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The leak included sensitive information shared with senior officials and a journalist, prompting an ongoing Pentagon investigation. Additionally, 81% of veterans feared federal budget cuts could harm VA benefits, and nearly half said they would discourage others from joining the military.

Officials at the VA appear to be backtracking recent moves to send telehealth therapists back to offices that may lack privacy. A memo from mid-April instructed department leaders that all telehealth providers must have private workspaces that support confidential, therapeutic relationships with veterans. The move comes amid broader backlash to a mandatory return-to-office order and alleged plans to cut 80,000 jobs at the agency. Despite the new guidance, confusion remains, and clinicians note that the memo does not clearly allow continued remote work. Many VA offices are not equipped to meet federal privacy standards.

National News

Chinese officials have sharply criticized the Trump administration’s tariff strategy, accusing the U.S. of economic bullying and undermining global trade rules. At a briefing earlier today, officials rejected the legitimacy of the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and emphasized the country’s ability to withstand economic fallout through domestic policy measures. Despite Trump’s claims of frequent communication with President Xi, Chinese officials denied any ongoing tariff negotiations, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed no such talks were underway.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

Last week, the Nimitz team gathered in Seattle for our annual strategic offsite. It was an energizing few days filled with collaboration, memories, and bold new ideas. We’re excited about what’s ahead—and can’t wait to share more with you soon.

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