Welcome back from the break, everyone. While Congress was in recess, the news didn’t slow down, and neither did we. The Nimitz Group is here to keep you up to speed and ahead of the curve on everything that matters most to the military and veteran community.

The Senate is already back in full swing, and the House gavels in tomorrow. From hearings on VA nominations and budget proposals to continued debate over the “big beautiful bill,” it’s shaping up to be a week full of movement—and momentum.

In this week’s Nimitz Report:

• Veterans’ rally in DC: Thousands to gather in protest of proposed VA cuts

• Schumer takes a stand: Senate Minority Leader aims to unite Democrats against Trump’s megabill

• A sneak peek at 2026: Early predictions on key Senate races

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Wednesday, June 4th

• ✅ Full Committee Hearing: “Hearing to Consider Pending Nominations,” Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 4 pm. Watch here.

NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

Congressional News

Congressional appropriators will roll out their initial draft of the fiscal 2026 budget this week, starting with proposed funding for the VA and military construction projects. While the MilconVA budget is usually less controversial, lawmakers anticipate tense debates this year, particularly around the VA’s proposed significant staffing cuts. Many members in the House have expressed frustration over delays from the Trump administration in providing a detailed spending plan, increasing pressure as the Oct. 1 deadline to pass a budget—or face a potential government shutdown—approaches.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged that Democrats will fiercely oppose President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative package, calling it a “billionaire handout paid for by American families.” In a letter to colleagues, Schumer criticized the bill’s use of the reconciliation process, alleging Republicans are violating Senate rules and undermining democratic norms. He outlined provisions that could strip health coverage from millions, cut $300 billion from food aid, weaken court oversight, and end clean energy incentives. Schumer vowed that Senate and House Democrats would coordinate efforts to block the legislation, warning it would deepen inequality and increase the federal debt by over $50 trillion in the coming decades.

Veteran News

About 20,000 people are expected at a veteran-led rally in Washington, D.C., on June 6th to protest the VA’s planned staffing cuts and contract cancelations. Organized by Unite for Veterans, the event will showcase grassroots support and include speakers such as veterans, VA employees, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who will highlight the real-world impacts of the proposed changes. Organizers have criticized these cuts as a direct attack on veterans' "earned benefits." The rally notably coincides with the anniversary of D-Day.

Senior VA officials recently issued directives requiring VA physicians and scientists to seek approval from political appointees before publishing medical research or publicly speaking, sparking concerns about censorship and its implications for veterans' healthcare. This policy clarification followed a critical article by VA pulmonologists, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, describing the health risks posed to veterans by planned staff reductions and canceled contracts. Critics are warning that the move threatens scientific independence, free speech, and ultimately veterans' health. The VA has defended its actions as consistent with longstanding guidelines for public communications.

Veterans may have received incorrect monthly disability payments from the VA due to calculation errors identified in a recent Inspector General (IG) report. The mistakes occurred due to differences between two calculators used to determine special monthly compensation for severe disabilities, like amputations or blindness, potentially leaving some veterans underpaid by thousands of dollars each month. The VA acknowledged the issue, disabled the faulty automated calculator, and is working on testing and correcting the problem. However, it remains unclear exactly how many veterans were affected or how much money was incorrectly paid. To read the full IG report, click here.

National News

The 2026 midterm Senate map is already taking shape, with both parties gearing up for high-stakes battles in key states. In Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff is seen as the most vulnerable Democrat, but the GOP is struggling to find a top-tier challenger after Gov. Brian Kemp declined to run. In North Carolina, Democrats are hoping former Gov. Roy Cooper will challenge Sen. Thom Tillis, while Maine Democrats face a steep climb against Sen. Susan Collins as top recruits hesitate to enter the race. Michigan’s Democratic primary is shaping up to be the most contentious of the cycle, and in New Hampshire, Rep. Chris Pappas is the favored candidate to defend Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s open seat, while Republicans may field former Sen. Scott Brown in a potential comeback bid.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

FOR FUN

For the NFL fans out there, EA Sports announced today that running back Saquon Barkley and his signature reverse hurdle will be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 26. Philadelphia Eagles fans are crossing their fingers that the "Madden Curse” steers clear of Barkley this upcoming season.

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