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VA OIT, Community Care, & Pending Nominations: This Week on the Hill
The House and Senate VA Committees are back and busy this week with several hearings related to key subject matters. We're here to cover them all.
Congress returns this week with tensions running high over federal spending, defense funding, and oversight measures. The Senate will vote on a GOP-led rescissions package and mark up the fiscal 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill. Meanwhile, the House will debate the Pentagon’s fiscal 2026 budget, which includes steep civilian workforce cuts paired with a military pay raise. The VA committees aren’t the only ones worth watching, and we’ll be keeping a close eye.
With President Donald Trump ramping up foreign policy threats against Russia and Democrats working to reclaim their national security footing, the stakes remain high for veterans, military families, and federal employees. The Nimitz team is tracking it all — here’s what to watch this week.
In this week’s Nimitz Report:
Senate and House votes heat up: Rescissions package, defense spending, and more
“Creative” budget claims: VA leaders accused of submitting misleading information to DOGE
Six months into the second Trump admin: What we’re learning and anticipating
WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?
Red Star: House Event, Blue Star: Senate Event, Purple Star: Joint Event, Green Star: Other Event
Monday, July 14th
💻 Subcommittee Hearing: “VA Office of Information and Technology Organizational Structure and Priorities,” House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) Technology Modernization Subcommittee at 3 pm. Watch here.
Tuesday, July 15th
🩺 Subcommittee Hearing: “Right Time, Right Place, Right Treatment with VA Community Care,” HVAC Health Subcommittee at 2:15 pm. Watch here.
Wednesday, July 16th
Thursday, July 17th
📝 Full Committee Markup: “Full Committee Markup of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” Senate Appropriations Committee at 9:30 am. Watch here.
NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK
Senators Mazie Hirono and Patty Murray are among several Democrats opposing Republican efforts to pass a rescissions package this week.
Congressional News
The Senate is set to vote on a GOP-led rescissions package to cut $9.4 billion in federal funding, including for public broadcasting and foreign aid, despite bipartisan concerns and President Donald Trump’s threat to withhold support from any Republican who opposes it. The House will also vote this week on the fiscal 2026 Pentagon funding bill, which includes a 3.8% military pay raise but cuts 45,000 civilian defense jobs, drawing Democratic opposition over readiness and policy concerns. These high-stakes debates will have far-reaching implications for federal spending, military readiness, and the services that support veterans and civilians alike.
We are six months into President Trump’s second term, and the country continues grappling with sweeping changes, including federal workforce cuts, aggressive immigration crackdowns, and the passage of the “big beautiful bill.” Both parties are now gearing up for the 2026 midterms, with Republicans touting their “America First” agenda and Democrats still struggling to rebuild after heavy electoral losses and an unclear leadership path for 2028. These dynamics and more will be the focus of the inaugural Hill Nation Summit, where top lawmakers and Trump administration officials will reflect on the first half of the year and the road ahead. More information on the summit can be found here.
Veteran News
The VA is facing widespread criticism for submitting misleading claims to the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), such as listing deceased chaplain Father Roland Freeman’s contract as a budget-saving termination. Department leadership initially embraced aggressive cuts, some of which allegedly threatened critical services like clinical trials and suicide prevention, but reversed course under pressure from veterans and lawmakers. Despite boasting $736 million in savings, many VA-listed contract cancellations were either routine expirations or never actually terminated. Several Democrats in Congress, including SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal, condemned the VA’s reporting, saying it hindered oversight and accountability for veterans’ care and benefits.
The Washington Post recently published a letter to the editor criticizing Democratic efforts to recruit military veterans as candidates, arguing that vague references to service, such as “Special Operations,” may impress civilians but breed skepticism among veterans who expect clear, specific military credentials. The author warned that leveraging military service as a campaign tactic risks alienating veterans unless candidates provide transparency about their roles. The commentary underscores a broader challenge for Democrats in balancing appeals to patriotism with genuine veteran engagement, particularly given low rates of military service within the party’s voter base.
The VA announced a temporary expansion of burial benefits for certain veterans under the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Veterans who pass away at home under VA-provided hospice care after discharge from VA medical or nursing care between July 2025 and October 2026 are now eligible for full VA burial allowances, addressing a previous eligibility gap. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the change ensures better support for veterans who choose to spend their final days at home with loved ones. Families are encouraged to contact their local VA for eligibility information and assistance.
National News
This morning, President Trump warned that he would impose harsh tariffs on Russia and its trading partners if a deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days, escalating pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump also praised European allies for increasing defense spending and announced that Germany would soon supply Ukraine with Patriot missile defense systems. He expressed ongoing frustration with Putin’s refusal to negotiate peace, despite cordial conversations. These developments signal a more assertive U.S. and NATO stance, with significant implications for global security and military support for Ukraine.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Pam, if you can’t do your job, we’ll find someone who will.”
FOR FUN
Today is National Mac and Cheese Day, a time to celebrate one of our country’s most beloved foods. For some ideas on types to try, click here.
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