Explore

Bilirakis Introduces WIPE OUT Burn Pits Act to Track and Reduce Servicemember Exposure

Bilirakis Introduces WIPE OUT Burn Pits Act to Track and Reduce Servicemember Exposure

Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), alongside Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-CA-35) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), has introduced the Waste Incineration Protection, Exposure Oversight, and Updated Tracking of (WIPE OUT) Burn Pits Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to enhance the tracking and reduction of burn pit exposure for U.S. servicemembers. The bill mandates that military commanders identify and report burn pits located within 4,000 meters of U.S. forces. It also requires the Pentagon to report these identified sites to Congress within 90 days of the bill's enactment. Furthermore, the legislation seeks to ensure that all instances of toxic exposure from burn pits are recorded in servicemembers' health records. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) have introduced a companion bipartisan bill in the Senate, with provisions of their legislation included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill also directs the Defense and State Secretaries to...

Congressman Joe Courtney Urges Passage of Major Richard Star Act to Restore Veteran Benefits

Congressman Joe Courtney Urges Passage of Major Richard Star Act to Restore Veteran Benefits

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) delivered a speech on the House floor, advocating for the passage of the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102). This bipartisan bill aims to rectify an existing injustice that reduces earned retirement benefits for veteran retirees who also receive service-connected disability benefits. Currently, combat-injured veterans forced into medical retirement can only receive either U.S. Department of Defense retirement benefits or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation, but not both concurrently. Congressman Courtney is one of 341 cosponsors of the bill and previously signed a discharge petition to compel a House vote. With the signature threshold met, a vote on the Major Richard Star Act is anticipated on Veterans Day. He emphasized that veterans service organizations consistently highlight the unfairness of denying full retirement and disability benefits to those who suffered combat-related injuries.

Defiant Hegseth blasts impeachment effort ahead of House vote

Defiant Hegseth blasts impeachment effort ahead of House vote

By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday blasted efforts to impeach him as a farce that would embolden US adversaries, as he lashed out at his political opponents in Congress and the media in an unapologetic defense of his record.

Hegseth and staff reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hegseth and staff reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his staff for breaking decorum after a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

Representative David Joyce Sponsors Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, Bill Advances in Congress

Representative David Joyce Sponsors Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, Bill Advances in Congress

Representative David Joyce (R-Ohio) has sponsored the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a legislative initiative aimed at tackling the growing issue of retail theft. The bill proposes the creation of a multiagency division specifically designed to address this type of crime. According to the American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board, smaller carriers have been particularly affected by retail theft, highlighting the significant impact on businesses. The legislation successfully passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 348-60 in May. A companion bill has also been introduced in the Senate, offered as an amendment to the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. This bipartisan effort underscores a broad recognition of the need to strengthen enforcement against organized retail crime, which has been reported to cost the trucking industry an average of $18 million daily, as per ATRI research.

Senator Cantwell and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand PACT Act Coverage for Iran War Veterans

Senator Cantwell and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand PACT Act Coverage for Iran War Veterans

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), alongside 12 Senate colleagues including Senator Angus King (I-ME), has introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring Iran War veterans receive coverage under the PACT Act. This bill seeks to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for service members exposed to toxic substances during their deployment in Iran to access necessary treatment. The PACT Act, enacted four years ago, facilitated healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic substances by establishing a list of presumed-exposure locations. However, Iran is currently not on this list, despite troops in the Iran War facing similar hazards. The proposed 'New PACT for Iran Veterans Act' would mandate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to add Iran to the covered locations and proactively review all overseas assignments for toxic substance exposures every five years. It also requires the VA Secretary to publicly justify any denial of a country recommended for presumed toxic exposure or removal of exist...

Senator Angus King Advocates for Directed-Energy Research Over Space-Based Kinetic Kill Vehicles

Senator Angus King Advocates for Directed-Energy Research Over Space-Based Kinetic Kill Vehicles

Senator Angus King (I-Maine) has voiced his support for increased research into directed-energy technologies as an alternative to space-based kinetic kill vehicles. This stance is highlighted in a report by Ars Technica, where Senator King emphasizes the potential of directed-energy systems for national defense. His advocacy comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the future of military technology and strategic defense. Directed-energy weapons, which use highly focused energy beams, offer a different approach to defense compared to kinetic kill vehicles, which rely on physical impact. Senator King's position suggests a strategic preference for technologies that could provide more precise and potentially less escalatory defense capabilities. This focus on advanced research aligns with broader efforts to modernize military assets and adapt to evolving global threats.

Hegseth slams his potential impeachment as a 'political spectacle’ that undermines US troops

Hegseth slams his potential impeachment as a 'political spectacle’ that undermines US troops

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is contending that a rogue lawmaker is undermining American troops in war zones by targeting him with an impeachment effort over mere “policy disagreements.”

Most Americans want new Democratic Congress to end Trump's Iran war, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Most Americans want new Democratic Congress to end Trump's Iran war, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

By Jason Lange WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Majorities of Americans want the newly elected Democratic-majority US Congress to act to end the war with Iran and to repeal tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump, signaling demand for quick action to address the high cost of living, a new

As Pete Hegseth faces impeachment vote, a reminder about that military testosterone plan

As Pete Hegseth faces impeachment vote, a reminder about that military testosterone plan

While Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faces an impeachment vote, we're looking back at his controversial plan to test U.S. troops' testosterone levels.

Resignation or impeachment? Hegseth's reckoning beckons | Opinion

Resignation or impeachment? Hegseth's reckoning beckons | Opinion

Will Trump stick with Hegseth, his cheerleader on Iran? Praise from the president means nothing if he thinks shoving someone out a door will help him.

Trump approval holds at 32%, near lowest of his career, Reuters Ipsos poll finds

Trump approval holds at 32%, near lowest of his career, Reuters Ipsos poll finds

By Jason Lange WASHINGTON, Nov 9 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's approval rating held near the lowest level of his political career, depressed by national concerns over rising prices that tanked his Republican Party in last week's midterm elections, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed