Lawmakers are navigating another high-stakes DHS funding deadline this week while turning their attention inward to the future structure of the VA, with hearings and markups examining community care, benefits expansion, and workforce capacity.

At the same time, new legislation and data are sharpening the focus on prevention and access, from overdose reversal medications to suicide prevention and employment support. Together, this week’s developments underscore how oversight, resources, and long-term strategy are shaping the systems veterans rely on every day. Here’s what you need to know.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Under pressure (again): DHS faces another looming deadline as talks stall over enforcement guardrails and national security oversight.

• VA under review: House and Senate Committees examine VHA reorganization, community care networks, and multiple veterans’ benefits bills.

• Prevention and access in focus: New data and legislation point to broader efforts to expand suicide prevention resources, naloxone access, and career support for veterans.

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Wednesday, February 11th

• 🏥 Full Committee Hearing: “Opportunities with VHA Reorganization,” House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) at 10:15 am. Watch here.

• 👨‍💻 Committee Hearing: “Building a 21st Century VA Health Care System: Assessing the Next Generation of VA’s Community Care Network,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 3 pm. Watch here.

Thursday, February 12th

• 📝 Full Committee Markup: On “H.R. 6047, the “Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025”; H.R. 3726, the “Fisher House Availability Act of 2025”; H.R. 3482, the “Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act”; H.R. 785, the “Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025”; H.R. 2148, the “Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act,” HVAC at 9 am. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Congress faces another looming Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding deadline as bipartisan talks stall, with Democrats pressing for 10 enforcement “guardrails” and Republicans rejecting many as nonstarters, raising the risk of a renewed funding lapse. Internal GOP tensions are also surfacing, as some Senate Republicans criticize White House adviser Stephen Miller while others publicly defend him. While unrelated political and cultural developments dominated headlines, the DHS standoff carries national security implications, particularly for border operations and federal law enforcement stability.

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the Senate that would allow veterans to receive free naloxone without a prescription at the VA, closing a gap that currently forces veterans to obtain the overdose-reversal drug at retail pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. Backed by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Mike Crapo, the legislation aims to reduce overdose deaths among veterans, who face elevated risks tied to chronic pain, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. Expanded access to naloxone has been linked to a national decline in opioid-related deaths, and supporters say removing prescription barriers at the VA could be lifesaving. The proposal comes as the VA faces rising health care demands following the PACT Act, underscoring broader debates about access, prevention, and cost-effective veteran care.

Veteran News

The VA has released its long-anticipated annual suicide prevention report from last year, reflecting 6,398 veteran suicides in 2023. The most concerning statistic showed that the suicide rate among veterans rose, once again, to 35.2 per 100,000. High-risk groups remain a concern, including young veterans, women veterans, homeless veterans, and those with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). VA leaders and lawmakers are advocating for expanding access to care, protecting suicide prevention resources, and integrating prevention efforts across the VA and community partners. To view the full report, click here.

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri highlighted his support for veterans and first responders during an exchange with actor Kevin Costner, discussing potential collaboration on charitable efforts through their foundations. Speaking ahead of Super Bowl LX, Fieri praised Costner’s work with the nonprofit One805, which supports first responders in Santa Barbara County, and underscored the need to “celebrate the people that keep this country free.” Fieri’s Guy Fieri Foundation, whose motto is “serving those who serve us,” focuses on feeding first responders during disasters and recognizing veterans and service members nationwide. Both men stressed that veterans and first responders remain undervalued and under-recognized, calling for sustained public attention and support.

The VA has announced its recruitment of more than 300 vocational rehabilitation counselors and specialists nationwide to support its Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, with applications open through March 17. The hiring push targets candidates with backgrounds in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, social work, and related fields to help meet growing demand. VR&E provides individualized counseling, education support, and employment services to veterans with service-connected disabilities, playing a key role in long-term economic stability and workforce reintegration. VA officials say the expansion will improve access to career transition support and strengthen outcomes for veterans seeking education, training, or employment.

National News

Team USA opened the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina with a strong first weekend, illustrated by Madison Chock and Evan Bates beginning their ice dance competition after winning gold in the team figure skating event. In curling, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin advanced to the gold medal match after defeating Italy in the semifinals on a final-shot win. Several medal events are underway today, including freestyle skiing, speedskating, ski jumping, and snowboarding, though Americans Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe narrowly missed the podium in the women’s 1,000-meter speedskating final. Overall, early performances signal a competitive start for Team USA, with multiple medal opportunities still ahead.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

Congratulations to all Seattle Seahawks fans out there! Last night’s Super Bowl marked the end of the football season, and we hope everyone celebrated accordingly.

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