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Special Shutdown Edition: What is Going On?
In this special edition of the Nimitz Report, catch up on the biggest headlines amidst one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history.
Yes, the government is still shut down. No, we still don’t know when it will reopen.
What we do know: the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is charging full speed ahead on John Bartrum’s nomination for VA Under Secretary for Health, the Washington Post has officially landed itself on several VSO naughty lists, and President Donald Trump is once again in the hot seat over veterans’ care (among other controversies).
The Nimitz team still here, still caffeinated, and still watching it all unfold. Read more below.
In this week’s Nimitz Report:
Day 20: The shutdown showdown continues
WaPo article blowback: VSOs take aim at new report on disability claims fraud
The White House’s “vengeful side”: VA employees issue warning about threats to care
WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?
Red Star: House Event, Blue Star: Senate Event, Purple Star: Joint Event, Green Star: Other Event
Wednesday, October 22nd
✅ Committee Business Meeting: “Nomination of John Bartrum to be Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC). Time to be determined. More information here.
NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK
Congressional News
As the federal shutdown entered its 20th day, Senate Republicans continued accusing Democrats of holding government operations “hostage” over demands to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Democrats framed the dispute as a fight for healthcare access. The gridlock leaves defense and VA appropriations bills stalled, raising concerns about delayed pay and strained services for military personnel and veterans.
Today marks an expected 11th failed attempt to pass a funding bill to reopen the government. The House remains out of session, with Speaker Mike Johnson insisting he would not reconvene until the Senate acted. Lawmakers like Sens. John Thune and Rick Scott warned that the impasse could set a dangerous precedent for future funding negotiations.
Veteran News
Major veterans service organizations, including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), have sharply criticized the Washington Post for publishing an investigation that they said unfairly portrayed disabled veterans as fraudulent. Leaders argued that the report ignored key context, such as the impact of the 2022 PACT Act, which expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to toxins and contributed to rising claims. Lawmakers like HVAC Ranking Member Mark Takano have also stated that the increase in disability benefits reflected long-overdue access to care, not systemic abuse. This backlash reflects deep tensions between protecting the integrity of VA programs and defending veterans’ reputations amid public scrutiny of how disability benefits are awarded.
During the ongoing government shutdown, VA employees have expressed deep concern that furloughs and understaffing could delay essential care for disabled veterans. Union leaders have reported that VA caseloads had doubled in some areas, leaving overworked employees struggling to meet veterans’ needs while many worked without pay. Labor representatives are saying that the uncertainty and fear among staff are creating an unstable environment that could harm the quality and timeliness of care. They are also warning that veterans not eligible for VA health care might face rising private insurance costs if the shutdown continues.
Prominent veterans in Congress, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Jason Crow, have voiced outrage after reports revealed that multiple military veterans were arrested or injured during protests against President Trump’s deportation campaign and National Guard deployment. They have claimed that it is unacceptable for Americans, especially veterans who had sacrificed for free speech, to face assault or solitary confinement for peaceful protest. Incidents in Illinois and Oregon involved elderly and disabled veterans being tackled, injured, or detained by federal agents. The controversy has reignited debate over veterans’ rights, government overreach, and the treatment of those who continue to defend democratic values at home.
National News
Military veterans across the country participated in the “No Kings” protests this weekend, a global movement opposing President Trump’s policies and perceived authoritarian overreach. Veterans like Army Captain Scott Peoples and Vietnam-era veteran Ronn Easton stated that their continued activism reflected their lifelong oath to defend the Constitution and protect democratic freedoms. Participants condemned the politicization of the military, the use of National Guard troops for domestic enforcement, and mass VA workforce cuts that could harm veteran care.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We’re so angry about it. I’m a very patient guy, but I have had it with these people. They’re playing games with real people’s lives.”
FOR FUN
Many DC-based bars and restaurants have announced special deals during the government shutdown. To see the details, click here.
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