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Shutdown Fatigue Meets Veterans’ Resolve
As Congress digs in, veterans and advocates push forward with resilience and remembrance ahead of Veterans Day.
As the government shutdown drags on, tensions on Capitol Hill are rising while the veteran community keeps moving forward.
This week, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on how to better support veterans transitioning to civilian life, even as federal employees and service-connected families continue to feel the strain of missed paychecks and stalled services. Lawmakers face even more pressure to resolve the shutdown amid new scrutiny of VA leadership, while outside Washington, stories of resilience highlight the challenges and strength of those who served.
With Veterans Day a little over a week away, here’s what you need to know.
In this week’s Nimitz Report:
Day 34: “Shameful, utterly shameful” shutdown continues
Psychedelics documentary: PBS previews new film on alternative treatments
Election Day: Voters in Virginia and New Jersey are gearing up to set the tone for 2026
WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?
Red Star: House Event, Blue Star: Senate Event, Purple Star: Joint Event, Green Star: Other Event
Wednesday, November 5th
💯 Committee Hearing: “A Grateful Nation: Maximizing Veterans' Success after Service,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 4 pm. Watch here.
NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK
The largest federal workers' union has called for an end to the shutdown, increasing pressure on both parties to reach an agreement.
Congressional News
The government shutdown has entered its 34th day, and millions of Americans are struggling with missed paychecks, rising healthcare premiums, and potential loss of food assistance. President Donald Trump has refused to endorse an end to the shutdown without total Democratic capitulation on health care subsidies, while congressional leaders warn of deepening strain on national morale and essential services. Veterans and defense employees, especially in states like Virginia, face mounting uncertainty as the shutdown continues to disrupt pay and access to care. With public disapproval rising for both parties, lawmakers signaled that Tuesday’s state elections could force a political reckoning or prolong the gridlock.
Veteran News
A new documentary titled “In Waves and War” explores how former Navy SEALs turned to guided psychedelic therapy to confront post-traumatic stress and emotional isolation after combat. The film follows veterans using supervised treatments to process trauma and reconnect with their lives, offering a candid look at emerging alternatives to traditional VA mental health care. PBS's Ali Rogin spoke with the director and one of the featured SEALs to discuss how the experience helped restore purpose and resilience among participants. The full segment can be found here.
Marine Corps veteran Julio Torres, a legal permanent resident who served in Iraq, has described living in fear of deportation amid President Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown. Advocates estimate that more than 100,000 U.S. veterans lack citizenship, leaving many at risk despite years of service. In response, House VA Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano introduced bipartisan legislation with Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar and Amata Coleman Radewagen to protect noncitizen service members and streamline their path to citizenship. Veterans and lawmakers warn that deporting those who served dishonors their sacrifice and endangers lives by sending them to unstable or hostile regions abroad.
Country artist Zac Brown has announced that he will headline Proud to Honor: Celebrating America’s Heroes, a Veterans Day concert benefiting veterans and military families. Hosted by Blue Star Families, Ford, and TikTok, the Nashville event will raise funds for key veteran organizations, including DAV, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Team Rubicon, TAPS, and Guitars4Vets. Brown said the concert reflected his lifelong commitment to supporting service members through music and his nonprofit, Camp Southern Ground, which helps veterans with post-traumatic stress and reintegration. The livestreamed event highlights how artists and corporations are teaming up to raise visibility and funding for the veteran community.
National News
Voters in Virginia and New Jersey are preparing to head to the polls in two closely watched gubernatorial races seen as early indicators for the 2026 midterms. Polls show Democrats Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger maintaining narrow but steady leads, though both face headwinds tied to inflation, cost of living, and political polarization heightened by the ongoing government shutdown. In Virginia, federal workers and veterans are expected to play a decisive role amid frustration over furloughs and stalled pay. Analysts say that Democratic wins would signal resilience heading into next year, while Republican upsets could deepen concerns about voter disillusionment and economic hardship among service-connected communities.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Shameful, utterly shameful, that the Democrats are making history in this way. I honestly did not believe they would have the audacity to inflict this much pain on the people and show no regard for it whatsoever.”
FOR FUN
Veterans Day is right around the corner, and organizations nationwide are preparing to honor and celebrate those who have served with courage and dedication. We encourage everyone to take part by attending local events and showing support for the veteran community.
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