House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
Special Features
Open Season Coverage
Tips, tricks, and other information to help you navigate Open Season.
Federal workers, both Democrat and Republican, eager to vote this fall
Past behavior shows this population will show up big at the polls. How feds will vote is less clear.
Office reentry pushing feds to job hunt, Federal Times survey shows
Of those who left their government job, more than a third said the ability to work to telework was the deciding factor.
‘No greater honor’: Federal retirees proud of public service in survey
A desire to serve the public principally motivated many of the more than 530 respondents to pursue a career, long or short, in the federal government.
Latest
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Trump picks senior VA advisor to serve as top department watchdog
Cheryl Mason's shift from administration insider to department watchdog elicited concerns about her ability to be an independent voice on VA operations.
VA shifts survivors assistance office in effort to speed up benefits
Officials hope to cut down on red tape for individuals seeking support and benefits after a veteran's death.
White House budget plan gives 4% boost for VA amid other agency cuts
VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan.
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Officials launch task force to root out ‘anti-Christian bias’ in VA
The move follows an order by President Donald Trump to look for evidence of discrimination against Christians throughout the federal government.
Senate leaders set May 7 hearing to review VA budget, reform plans
VA Secretary Dog Collins will face sharp questions about his department overhaul efforts from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee next month.
House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
Rep. Mike Bost said he trusts that administration plans to dramatically reduce the VA workforce will not cut into veterans benefits and care.
Federal Oversight
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Retirement
Ask Reg: Can I negotiate my federal salary offer?
Departments and agencies vary in the latitude they give their supervisors and managers to vary the step they offer to a prospective employee.
Ask Reg: How long does it take to be vested for federal pension?
A reader asks if their military service counts toward their retirement eligibility.
Ask Reg: The process for counting active duty time toward retirement
A reader asks what documents are needed to prove the time acquired while in the armed forces.
Your Career
Ask Reg: Can I stay on FEHB self-plus-one if spouse moves to Medicare?
A reader asks when he can shift back to self-only coverage once his spouse moves to Medicare.
Ask Reg: Social Security says I’m subject to Windfall Elimination. Why?
There have been ongoing attempts in Congress and by financial advocates to repeal the WEP.
Ask Reg: Does my military buyback count toward my retirement service?
A reader who wants to apply for deferred retirement wonders if their military buyback counts toward their service time.
Pay and Benefits
Vets may see only a small cost-of-living boost in benefits next year
An outside watchdog estimates the benefits adjustment will be less than 3% in 2025.
Management
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
AI and IT
Russian hackers infiltrate Veterans Affairs via Microsoft account
The state-sponsored hacker infiltrated a platform called Microsoft Azure Government, which provides storage, databases and other services to the VA.
By Zamone Perez
