It’s another busy week in our nation’s capital. In the Senate, leaders are navigating a precarious path to resolve the DHS shutdown while simultaneously weighing the political gravity of a potential Supreme Court vacancy. Against this backdrop of procedural maneuvering, the cost of service remains front and center as Gold Star Spouses of America arrive on the Hill to demand long-overdue legislative updates for surviving spouses.

A significant shift is also occurring in how the nation approaches veteran wellness and recovery. From the White House’s executive order on psychedelic-assisted therapies to new transparency initiatives from veteran service organizations, here’s what you need to know heading into the week.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Gold Star Spouses on the Hill: Survivors advocate for increased benefits

• It’s a big week for psychedelics: Trump signs executive order, DAV publishes online resource

• Reconciliation 2.0: Here we go again!

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Tuesday, April 21st

• 📝 Full Committee Markup: Of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill, House Appropriations Committee at 11am. Watch here.

• ⭐ Subcommittee Hearing: “Examining VA Benefits: Pension and Fiduciary, and VA Life Insurance Options,” House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee at 1:15pm. Watch here.

Wednesday, April 22nd

• 🌲 Off-Committee Hearing: “EXPLORE America250: Enhancing Accessibility at our National Parks and Public Lands,” House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands at 10am. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing for a "skinny" reconciliation bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, attempting to end a two month Department of Homeland Security shutdown. He faces significant pressure from hardline conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz and the House Freedom Caucus, however, who are demanding the package be expanded to include defense funding, tax modifications, and a decade of border security resources. Beyond the budget battle, the Senate is set to hold a nomination hearing tomorrow for Kevin Warsh, President Trump’s pick for Federal Reserve Chair, while House Republicans prepare a potential expulsion vote for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick following alleged ethics violations.

Senate Republicans are reportedly considering the potential retirement of Justice Samuel Alito as a strategic “October surprise" to energize the GOP base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With the party's 53-seat majority facing potential losses in states like Ohio and Nebraska, lawmakers believe a high-profile Supreme Court confirmation battle could mirror the 2018 Kavanaugh hearings by driving conservative voter turnout. While President Trump has expressed eagerness to fill any vacancies, senior Republican leadership has clarified that the timing depends entirely on the justices.

Veteran News

Gold Star Spouses of America, Inc., led by National President Tamra Sipes, is advocating in Washington, D.C. this week on behalf of surviving spouses from across the country. Roughly 40-50 survivors will take to Capitol Hill to discuss their top legislative priority of raising Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) through the Caring for Survivors Act and the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Improvement Act, along with other major bills that would help their fellow spouses and the larger military-veteran community. To learn more about the organization’s efforts to support survivors on the Hill and beyond, click here.

On Saturday, President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate access to psychedelic-assisted therapies (including psilocybin, ibogaine, and MDMA) for patients with treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. The directive calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to facilitate access, leverages the "Right to Try" Act for eligible veterans, and allocates $50 million in existing federal funds to support state-level programs. Many veteran advocates and clinical leaders are praising the move as a "turning point" that moves beyond traditional pharmaceutical symptom management toward biological healing.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has launched a new online resource containing information on psychedelic-assisted therapies for service-related mental health conditions. The organization aims to provide a clear, balanced database for veterans and policymakers alike regarding existing research and findings, clearing up common misconceptions on these alternative treatments. DAV National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski advocated for the overarching goal of healing veterans failed by traditional care, saying, “Our goal is to provide clear, credible information so everyone involved can understand the science, the risks, and what it means for their care.”

National News

The Iranian Regime has signaled it has no plans to attend a second round of peace talks in Pakistan, citing "unrealistic demands" from President Trump's negotiators, including Vice President JD Vance. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply over the weekend after the U.S. Navy intercepted and seized the Iranian cargo vessel Touska; President Trump confirmed the ship was disabled by a strike to its engine room after ignoring warnings to stop. With a two-week ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday, the continued U.S. naval blockade and Tehran's refusal to return to the table have sent global oil prices higher and cast doubt on a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

For the first time in over 25 years, a baby Asian elephant is being introduced to the public at the National Zoo! Her name is Linh Mai, and she already weighs 308 pounds. 🐘

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