This week sees Washington bracing for another volatile stretch of partisan warfare on the Hill, as Senate Democrats prepare a procedural offensive against a sweeping Republican reconciliation package focused on immigration enforcement and Trump administration priorities. At the same time, House Republicans are struggling to contain growing fractures within their own conference over spending cuts, national security, surveillance powers, and foreign policy, exposing the increasingly difficult balancing act facing GOP leadership ahead of the midterms.

Beyond political maneuvering, veteran issues are once again breaking into the national spotlight. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s endorsement of the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act has reignited momentum behind a long-running push to restore full benefits to combat-injured medically retired veterans, while new conversations around PTSD treatment and veteran mental health continue gaining visibility in the public sphere. Here’s what you need to know.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Hegseth lends voice to Star Act supporters: Renewed pressure on Sen. Ron Johnson and other fiscal conservatives

• Scott Kelly capitalizing on his newfound platform: Viral Army vet to launch podcast on mental wellness, alternative treatments, & more

• Parties eyeing November: Shifting dynamics and political posturing ahead of the midterms

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Wednesday, May 13th

• 🏠 Full Committee Hearing: “Expanding the Mission: The Future of the National Center for Warrior Independence in West LA,” House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) at 10:15am. Watch here.

• 👮 Committee Hearing: “Protecting Those Who Served: A Review of VA Police Operations,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 4pm. Watch here.

Thursday, May 14th

• 💸 Subcommittee Hearing: “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for Military Construction and Family Housing,” Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies at 10am. Watch here.

• 📝 Full Committee Markup: On Pending Legislation, HVAC at 2pm. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Senate Democrats are preparing an aggressive procedural strategy to slow down a major Republican budget reconciliation package centered on immigration enforcement funding and other Trump administration priorities. While Democrats lack the votes to block the bill outright, party leaders say they plan to force difficult votes on healthcare costs, Iran war funding, tariffs, and a controversial proposal tied to President Trump’s White House ballroom project. Republicans argue the legislation is necessary to strengthen border security and support Homeland Security operations, while Democrats are framing it as misplaced spending during a period of economic strain. The fight is expected to intensify broader partisan battles over government spending, immigration policy, and executive authority.

In the House, Republicans are heading into the summer facing a series of internal policy battles that could complicate efforts to govern with a narrow majority ahead of November. Major disputes are emerging over spending cuts, surveillance powers, environmental and health regulations, ethanol fuel policy, and the ongoing war with Iran, exposing growing divisions between fiscal conservatives, swing-district moderates, national security hawks, and the MAGA wing. Analysts say GOP leaders are struggling to balance an aggressive legislative agenda with concerns about political backlash in competitive districts, raising early warning signs for the party heading into the midterm elections.

Veteran News

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly endorsed the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act, a long-debated bill that would allow combat-injured, medically retired veterans to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently. Supporters argue the legislation would correct a long-standing inequity that currently reduces benefits for roughly 54,000 veterans forced to retire early due to combat-related injuries. While the bill has broad bipartisan support and backing from major veterans organizations, some Republicans continue to oppose it over concerns regarding its projected multibillion-dollar cost. Advocates hope Hegseth’s endorsement will help build momentum to finally move the legislation through Congress.

Army veteran Scott Kelly, whose resume unexpectedly went viral after being spotted at a Jonas Brothers concert last year, is launching a new podcast series focused on PTSD and veteran mental health. The series will examine evolving treatment options, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, while also exploring misconceptions surrounding PTSD and veterans transitioning into civilian life. Kelly, a former Special Forces officer medically retired from the Army, said the project aims to make conversations about mental health more informed and accessible for veterans seeking support. Following his sudden public attention and subsequent firing from his corporate job, Kelly has since launched his own consulting firm while continuing to advocate for veteran issues.

A Florida veteran has pleaded guilty to fraudulently collecting nearly $245,000 in VA disability benefits after falsely claiming to be legally blind. Federal prosecutors say the 73-year-old man exaggerated his vision impairment during medical evaluations while continuing to drive, work as a school guardian and firearms specialist, and perform everyday tasks without assistance. Surveillance footage and investigative findings from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) contradicted his claims and led to charges of receiving stolen government property. He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison as part of the Justice Department’s broader crackdown on fraud involving federal benefit programs.

National News

Iran has defended its latest negotiating demands after President Trump publicly rejected Tehran’s counterproposal to end the conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Iranian officials described their requests as “reasonable,” while reportedly seeking sanctions relief, compensation for war damages, and recognition of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz, conditions widely viewed as unacceptable to the United States. The dispute underscores the widening gap between the two sides, particularly over maritime access and Iran’s nuclear program, despite ongoing cease-fire negotiations. Analysts say that Iran’s posture reflects a contradictory narrative that the country is emerging politically strengthened from the conflict, even as it faces mounting economic pressure and widespread domestic strain.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

This weekend was the Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival at Bunnyman Brewing in Chantilly, Virginia. If you missed it, we’d highly recommend checking it out next time!

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