As we look ahead to Memorial Day weekend, Congress races to finalize major spending legislation amid intensifying battles over immigration enforcement, war powers, and federal priorities. Senate negotiations are already facing new complications following a parliamentarian ruling that stripped controversial White House project funding from the reconciliation package, while bipartisan unease over the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to grow on both sides of the aisle. The result is a high-stakes stretch for lawmakers navigating increasingly volatile divisions over national security, executive authority, and the direction of federal spending.

Last week, Congress advanced the FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations process, and Republican leaders are heralding the full funding for veterans’ healthcare, suicide prevention, mental health services, and military family support programs. This week, veterans service organizations and others are gearing up for major events and legislative pushes.

Our team is looking forward to key developments over the next few days, including a vote on the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act in the House. Stay tuned as we learn more.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Money talks: The Senate to consider the VA’s FY 2027 budget request

• VA promotes Whole Health: New data on better outcomes for veterans

• Veteran advocates ramp up efforts: AMVETS, VFW, and others make moves ahead of Memorial Day

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Wednesday, May 20th

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

• 💸 Committee Hearing: “Review of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and 2028 Advance Appropriations Requests for the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 4pm. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Immigration enforcement funding is expected to dominate congressional negotiations this week as lawmakers work to finalize major budget legislation ahead of both the Memorial Day recess and a June 1 deadline set by President Trump. The debate has grown more complicated after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that funding for a proposed White House ballroom could not be included in the reconciliation package, forcing Republicans to revise portions of the bill. At the same time, pressure is mounting over the ongoing conflict with Iran, where bipartisan support is building for a resolution calling for an end to the war as Trump continues urging Tehran to accept a peace agreement.

House Republicans advanced the FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill last week, with Speaker Mike Johnson spotlighting the measure as part of the party’s broader push to return to a “regular order” budgeting process. The legislation fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits programs, while also investing in VA medical facility infrastructure, mental health services, and suicide prevention initiatives. GOP leaders additionally emphasized support for military families and quality-of-life programs tied to servicemembers and veterans. The bill will now move forward as Congress begins a broader series of annual appropriations fights ahead of the next fiscal year.

Veteran News

Rolling to Remember will return to Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day Weekend for its 38th annual demonstration ride, bringing together thousands of motorcyclists and veterans advocates from across the country. Organized by AMVETS, a Nimitz Group client, the event aims to raise awareness about prisoners of war and those still missing in action, while also highlighting the ongoing mental health and suicide crisis affecting veterans. Riders will once again stage at the Pentagon before traveling through the nation’s capital as part of the large-scale public demonstration. Organizers say the event serves both as a tribute to fallen servicemembers and a call for continued accountability and support for the veteran community.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has announced a new partnership with America250 to help commemorate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, underscoring the role veterans have played in protecting and shaping the country throughout its history. The organization said the collaboration will focus on education, community engagement, volunteerism, and storytelling tied to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations. VFW leaders pointed to veterans as central to America’s identity and democratic traditions, while encouraging local posts and members nationwide to participate in anniversary events. The initiative also serves as an opportunity for the VFW and other veteran organizations to spotlight their long-standing advocacy and support efforts on behalf of veterans and military families.

New VA data shows that the department’s Whole Health program is improving outcomes for veterans across a range of physical and mental health measures. Studies found that veterans participating in Whole Health services reported better overall well-being, stronger engagement with providers, improved chronic disease management, and higher completion rates for PTSD treatment programs compared to those receiving conventional care alone. The approach, which focuses on personalized care and complementary therapies such as meditation, acupuncture, and wellness coaching, was also linked to reduced opioid use and higher smoking cessation rates. VA officials say the findings reinforce the growing role of Whole Health programs in supporting long-term recovery, preventive care, and veteran-centered treatment strategies.

National News

SVAC member Senator Bill Cassidy lost his Republican primary in Louisiana last week, marking a major victory for President Trump’s ongoing campaign against Republicans who opposed him following the January 6 attack. Cassidy, one of the few GOP senators who voted to convict Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial, failed to advance to a runoff after facing years of criticism from Trump and MAGA-aligned groups. The result illustrates the president’s continued influence over Republican primary voters and the shrinking space for dissent within the party, particularly among lawmakers viewed as insufficiently loyal to Trump’s agenda. Cassidy’s defeat also further consolidates pro-Trump influence in the Senate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

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