As the House pauses for a breather, attention shifts to the Senate, where debate over President Donald Trump’s legislative package intensifies. Key lawmakers are standing firm in their opposition, and this week will be a critical indicator of the future of the President’s agenda.

With multiple deadlines looming for both Congress and the administration, we’re here to keep you informed every step of the way. Here’s what to watch this week.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Big moves for VA’s budget: Full chamber to consider later this summer

• Right to refuse care?: New VA guidance threatens access for thousands of veterans

• Back pay for disabled vets: Supreme Court ruling allows additional retroactive combat-related compensation

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Tuesday, June 17th

• 📝 Subcommittee Hearing: “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for Military Construction and Family Housing,” Senate Appropriations Committee, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee at 10:30 am. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

House Republicans advanced a $453 billion budget plan for the VA, marking a record increase in overall department funding but drawing sharp criticism from Democrats over concerns about privatization and workforce cuts. The bill includes a 22% increase from FY25 levels, mostly in mandatory spending, while discretionary funding remains below the White House’s request. Democrats objected to provisions shifting more care to private providers, restricting abortion services, and reducing VA staffing, though an amendment to protect suicide prevention programs was adopted. The full House is expected to consider the bill later this summer as budget negotiations continue ahead of the October 1 fiscal year deadline.

President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans are entering a critical week as they attempt to finalize and advance a sweeping domestic policy bill, with key provisions on taxes and Medicaid still unresolved. Senate GOP leaders aim to release legislative text soon, including permanent business tax cuts and Trump’s priorities like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, but internal disputes threaten to derail the timeline. Senators like Josh Hawley have voiced strong opposition to Medicaid cuts passed by the House, warning of harm to low-income constituents and rural hospitals. With a July 4 deadline looming, negotiations between Senate and House Republicans are intensifying, especially as blue-state lawmakers warn they may oppose any rollback of SALT relief secured in earlier House negotiations.

Veteran News

New rules implemented at VA hospitals under a Trump executive order have been interpreted to allow doctors and other medical staff to refuse care to veterans based on personal characteristics not protected by federal law, such as political affiliation or marital status. The changes also permit discrimination in VA hiring, stripping previous protections for staff based on union membership, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. Critics, including former VA officials and medical ethicists, warn the policy undermines ethical care, risks denying treatment to LGBTQ+ veterans and survivors of sexual trauma, and was enacted without proper consultation. While the VA insists eligible veterans will still receive care, experts fear the move politicizes healthcare and opens the door to widespread discrimination within the nation’s largest hospital system.

Thousands of disabled veterans may now be eligible for additional retroactive combat-related compensation following a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that struck down a six-year cap on back pay. The decision in Soto v. United States found that the military improperly limited benefits for veterans like Marine Corps veteran Simon Soto, who qualified for the program but was denied full retroactive payments. The ruling could benefit over 9,000 veterans and ensures that those impacted receive the full compensation they earned. The National Veterans Legal Services Program is encouraging affected veterans to come forward, and a related case could further expand payout limits beyond the current $10,000 cap.

At least 600 veteran appointments were canceled last week at the Los Angeles VA Ambulatory Care Center due to ongoing protests and vandalism near the facility. VA Secretary Doug Collins blamed the disruptions on “violent mobs” opposing immigration enforcement and criticized city leaders for failing to ensure public safety, urging them to secure the area and prosecute those responsible for the damage. The protests, sparked by recent immigration raids and federal response efforts, have led to over 160 arrests and prompted wider demonstrations across the country. While the VA has shifted many appointments to telehealth, the incident underscores rising tensions between local and federal authorities, as well as veterans’ access to care.

Over the weekend, thousands of troops marched through Washington, D.C. in a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 79th birthday. The event has sparked backlash, particularly from veterans who call it an inappropriate show of force at a time of political tension and global conflict. Some veteran advocates have argued that the administration is using the military for political purposes instead of focusing on real support for service members and their families. The event cost $45 million.

National News

The fatal shootings of two Minnesota state legislators and the wounding of two others have reignited urgent calls for improved congressional security. Lawmakers across both parties have expressed alarm, noting the attacker's reported targeting of Democratic officials and abortion rights advocates, and the ease with which he impersonated law enforcement. While congressional leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have requested heightened security for members, particularly in Minnesota, many lawmakers are demanding broader protections at homes, airports, and district events. With concern mounting, some members are pushing for closed-door sessions to discuss safety measures, though Republican leadership has not yet committed to additional security resources.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

We’re excited to welcome Clare Marsh back to the Nimitz team. Clare began her journey with us as a standout intern and now returns as an Associate. We’re proud of all she’s accomplished and look forward to being a part of her bright future!

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