Time is almost up as lawmakers rush to avert a government shutdown before Wednesday’s midnight deadline. Although party leaders are meeting President Donald Trump at the White House today, insiders remain doubtful that a breakthrough is near.

On the veterans’ front, hundreds of VA medical staff have raised alarms about recent workforce cuts, warning of serious risks to veteran care. With this and several other stories this week, here is what you need to know.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Deal or no deal?: Experts and lawmakers prepare for potential government shutdown

• Doctors & nurses warn against layoffs: Letter to SecVA raises red flag

• Happy anniversary!: VFW celebrates 126 years serving the mil-vet community

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

There are no hearings or markups this week.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Several major veterans groups, including AMVETS, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Mission Roll Call, are urging Congress to pass a short-term spending measure to prevent a government shutdown, citing critical VA program extensions such as the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program and housing and benefits initiatives. They warned that partisan gridlock threatens vital services, even as most VA hospitals and core benefits would continue during a shutdown. Republican leaders are currently advocating for a “clean” continuing resolution (CR), but Democrats remain opposed without health care concessions.

Lawmakers are scrambling to strike a funding deal before this week’s deadline, with a government shutdown set to begin Wednesday at midnight if no agreement is reached. The administration has warned that a closure could trigger large-scale layoffs, further straining federal operations once they resume. Congressional leadership is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House this afternoon, with Republicans calling it Democrats’ “last chance to be reasonable.” Many experts remain skeptical that a resolution is imminent.

Veteran News

More than 350 current and former VA doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals issued a warning last week to VA Secretary Doug Collins about the department’s recent staffing cuts and related policy changes. In their letter, the signatories cautioned that workforce reductions and a shift toward community care could severely harm veterans and their families. In response, the VA press secretary stated, “VA is serving Veterans much better under the Trump Administration than it was under the Biden Administration, and the numbers prove it.”

Today marks the 126th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). National Commander Carol Whitmore reflected on the milestone, saying, “From advocating for quality health care and stronger benefits to offering direct support through our programs and services, the VFW continues to live out its founding promise: to honor and serve those who have served.” Posts and auxiliaries across the country are celebrating, and you can learn more about how to get involved here.

As a reminder, on November 5th, the VA’s eBenefits website will fully transition to VA.gov. Veterans will continue to have access to all applications and features, but the department is urging users to create a VA.gov account now to ensure continuity of service. For help creating an account or troubleshooting common issues, click here.

National News

Over the weekend, the Trump administration announced the release of Amir Amiry, an American wrongfully detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since December 2024. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio praised the move as a significant diplomatic step, while stressing that other Americans remain unjustly detained. Families of those still held abroad expressed hope for additional progress, and President Trump has reiterated that securing the return of Americans remains a top foreign policy priority under recent executive actions.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

On Sunday night, the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys played a wild game of football that ended in a 40-40 tie. This season is certainly off to a fun start!

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