We’re halfway through March, and Capitol Hill is moving full steam ahead with appropriations requests and other high-stakes developments. Sen. Markwayne Mullin will appear before his colleagues this week for his confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), while the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee prepares for a key hearing on several pieces of pending legislation. We’ll be watching both closely.

Off the Hill, a federal judge has ordered VA Secretary Doug Collins to restore the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) collective bargaining agreement with the department, complicating one of the secretary’s earliest actions in office last year. As Democrats look toward future political battles and Republicans maneuver through immediate fights in Congress, here’s what you need to know this week.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Senate showdown: Republicans prepare for a prolonged debate over the SAVE America Act

• AFGE comes back swinging: Federal court restores the VA’s largest union contract

• Vets in power: Democrats eye military leaders for foreign policy debates (and, potentially, the 2028 presidential race)

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Wednesday, March 18th

• 📝 Full Committee Hearing: On Pending Legislation, House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) at 10:15 am. Watch here.

• 📝 Committee Business Meeting: To Consider Pending Legislation, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 4pm. More information here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Senate Republicans are preparing for a prolonged floor battle over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, a bill that would require documented proof of citizenship to register to vote. Allies of President Trump are urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep the legislation on the floor for an extended debate to pressure Democrats and spotlight opposition to the measure. GOP lawmakers believe the strategy is meant to build political momentum for the bill, which polls show has significant public support. The effort could lead to long debate sessions and a high-profile legislative showdown over voting reforms in the Senate.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin is scheduled to appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). President Trump nominated Mullin after removing former Secretary Kristi Noem, and Republican lawmakers have largely rallied behind the choice. However, the nomination comes amid ongoing disputes over DHS funding and immigration enforcement policies, which could complicate the confirmation process.

Veteran News

A federal judge has ordered the VA to restore its collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees National VA Council (AFGE/NVAC), which represents more than 320,000 VA employees. The ruling granted a preliminary injunction after the union argued that VA Secretary Doug Collins unlawfully terminated the contract in 2025 in retaliation for the union’s criticism of administration policies. Judge Melissa DuBose found the union is likely to succeed in claims that the termination violated the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act, and that the move caused irreparable harm to workers. The decision reinstates the master agreement and related labor contracts while broader legal challenges continue.

The VA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have launched a new initiative allowing VA attorneys to act as special assistant U.S. attorneys to pursue court-appointed guardianships for veterans deemed unable to make their own medical decisions. The program could affect roughly 700 hospitalized veterans, including some who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with the goal of facilitating medical treatment and transitions to appropriate care. Veterans’ advocates and civil liberties groups warn that the policy could undermine veterans’ autonomy and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations if not implemented with strong safeguards. Supporters maintain that guardianship decisions would still require court approval and ongoing oversight.

The DOJ has moved to dismiss charges against an Army veteran who burned an American flag near the White House last year in protest of a presidential executive order targeting flag burning. The veteran had been charged with misdemeanor offenses related to lighting a fire in a restricted area, though the act itself is widely considered protected political speech under Supreme Court precedent. The administration did not explain the decision to drop the case, which had drawn attention from civil liberties advocates. The veteran and his attorneys have claimed the move reinforces First Amendment protections for political protest.

National News

A new Politico article states that Democrats are increasingly looking to military veterans as potential national leaders, arguing that combat experience may provide credibility on foreign policy amid the escalating conflict with Iran. Figures such as Sen. Ruben Gallego, Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov. Wes Moore, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have emerged as prominent voices, drawing on their service to critique or explain U.S. military strategy. Party strategists say candidates with military backgrounds could help Democrats project strength on national security ahead of the 2028 presidential race, particularly if foreign policy becomes a defining campaign issue. Still, analysts note that while veteran credentials can boost credibility, domestic issues like the economy historically dominate presidential elections.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

March Madness is back again! Click here to see this year’s bracket.

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