Congress returns to Washington, DC, facing renewed pressure on multiple fronts. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security hangs in the balance as negotiations stall over immigration enforcement reforms, while VSOs plan to kick off the first of three joint hearings this week to press lawmakers for action on their top priorities.

At the same time, legal and regulatory battles involving disability ratings, benefits representation, and the future of a proposed monument near Arlington National Cemetery are raising broader questions about federal authority, oversight, and accountability. Here’s what you need to know.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• DAV CEO says “enough”: New op-ed accuses Congress of being two-faced, calls for action on Major Richard Star Act

• Collins backtracks on rule change: VA halts enforcement of a controversial disability ratings rule

• The State of the Union: Who won’t be there & why

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Tuesday, February 24th

• 👥 Joint VSO Hearing: “Legislative Presentation of Disabled American Veterans & Multi VSOs: Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Congress of American Indians, Service Women's Action Network, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., and Black Veterans Project,” House & Senate Veterans Affairs Committees at 10 am. Watch here.

• 📝 Subcommittee Markup: On Pending Legislation, House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) Economic Opportunity Subcommittee at 2:30 pm. Watch here.

Thursday, February 26th

• 🍻 HillVets Happy Hour: With Veterans for All Voters. Mission - Navy Yard at 5:30 pm. RSVP here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Lawmakers return to Washington facing continued uncertainty over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Republicans have expressed cautious optimism about reaching a deal this week, while Democrats are holding firm on demands for reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including stricter oversight and operational guardrails. DHS employees could miss paychecks by the end of the week, though most operations would continue because roughly 90 percent of the workforce is classified as essential. While ICE funding remains largely protected under prior legislation, agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard could face disruptions if the shutdown persists.

A new opinion piece by Barry Jesinoski, National Adjutant and CEO of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), criticizes members of Congress for publicly praising veterans during campaigns but failing to deliver substantive legislative results once in office. Jesinoski points to stalled bipartisan measures such as the Major Richard Star Act, which would restore full benefits to combat-injured veterans, as evidence of ongoing inaction. He also argues that lawmakers use budget rules like PAYGO as an excuse to delay or block veterans’ legislation while waiving those rules for other priorities. The commentary calls for greater accountability, urging Congress to measure support for veterans by laws passed and benefits delivered, not symbolic gestures.

Veteran News

VA Secretary Doug Collins has announced that the department will not enforce a newly issued interim final rule that would have based disability ratings on a veteran’s condition after improvement from medication, following bipartisan backlash from lawmakers and veterans groups. The rule, which took effect February 17, would have altered how functional impairment is assessed, potentially lowering compensation for some veterans whose symptoms are controlled by medication. Members of Congress, including HVAC and SVAC Ranking Members Mark Takano and Richard Blumenthal, are urging the VA to formally rescind the rule rather than merely pause enforcement, arguing it could penalize veterans for following medical treatment. The decision comes after the rule drew more than 10,600 public comments, with the comment period remaining open through April 20.

A federal judge recently struck down Louisiana’s PLUS Act, a 2024 law regulating paid consultants who assist veterans with VA disability claims, ruling it is preempted by federal law and violates the First Amendment. The court found that federal statutes and VA accreditation rules establish a uniform national system for veterans’ benefits representation, and that Louisiana’s fee caps and disclosure requirements improperly interfered with that framework. The decision underscores limits on state authority to regulate compensation and conduct in matters governed by Title 38 and VA accreditation standards. Louisiana plans to appeal, setting up a potential Fifth Circuit case that could further define the balance between state consumer protection efforts and federal control over veterans’ benefits representation.

A group of Vietnam War veterans and a retired architectural historian filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block construction of “Independence Arch,” a proposed 250-foot monument near Arlington National Cemetery. The suit argues the project would disrupt a historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, potentially violate federal laws, and pose aviation concerns near Reagan National Airport. Plaintiffs contend the monument would dishonor veterans and was advanced without required congressional authorization and environmental reviews. The Trump administration has framed the arch as part of efforts to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and honor military service, setting up a legal and symbolic dispute over veterans’ memorial space and federal authority.

National News

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 60 percent of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s performance ahead of his State of the Union address tomorrow, with 39 percent approving. Majorities expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of inflation, tariffs, and foreign relations. Nearly 65 percent say he has exceeded his authority, and 56 percent say he is not committed to protecting Americans’ rights and freedoms. While immigration remains a relative strength, public opinion has shifted following recent enforcement controversies, with most Americans opposing current ICE tactics and expanded operations. Despite Trump’s low approval ratings, Democrats have made limited gains in public trust, with voters roughly split on which party they trust to handle key issues such as the economy and cost of living.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

Keep an eye on the weather, folks! Some local news stations are predicting a refreeze on the roads in the DC area tonight. Stay safe and stay warm.

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