Newsbytes February 21, 2025 

In this Issue:
Deputy Secretary of the VA Confirmation Hearing 
Senators Call for Full Reinstatement of Fired VA Employees
BAS Funds Misallocation 
Military Spouses Exempt from Return-to-Office Mandate
USS Harry S. Truman CO Relieved After Collision

Deputy Secretary of the VA Confirmation Hearing 
Dr. Paul Lawrence, the nominee for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), previously served as the VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits. In that position, he was responsible for overseeing veterans' benefits, focusing on improving the efficiency of the system and better addressing veterans' needs. If confirmed, Dr. Lawrence will take on the responsibility of assisting in managing the daily operations of the VA, including overseeing policies, programs, and services for veterans.

During his Senate confirmation hearing on February 19, 2025, Dr. Lawrence faced questions from lawmakers regarding several challenges within the VA, particularly around community care programs. Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal raised concerns about delays in opening new clinics, security issues with veterans' personal data, and reductions in services. Blumenthal also called attention to a lack of transparency within the VA and issues regarding ethical conflicts and personnel management.

Chairman Thom Tillis defended the department, explaining that many of the allegations had been debunked or exaggerated. He emphasized that staffing changes, including those affecting probationary hires, were typical following a change in administration and attributed some challenges to past budget constraints imposed by Congress. He reassured the committee that the VA was working to address these concerns.

Dr. Lawrence responded by reiterating his commitment to modernizing the VA’s electronic health records and improving the overall quality of healthcare services for veterans. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability and promised to work closely with Congress to address the challenges raised during the hearing. 

Senators Urge Full Reinstatement of Fired VA Employees 
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun reinstating some of the more than 1,000 probationary employees it recently terminated. However, 36 U.S. Senators, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), are pushing for all affected employees to be rehired, citing concerns over the potential impact on veterans' healthcare and benefits. 

The VA’s decision to terminate these employees was reportedly influenced by internal policy changes, a federal hiring freeze, and administrative budget constraints. These cuts have already caused delays in opening new clinics and have disrupted critical services at VA facilities across the country. Lawmakers argue that staffing shortages could jeopardize the VA’s ability to fulfill its mission of providing timely and quality care to veterans. 

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) confirmed that at least two former employees of the Veterans Crisis Line are in the process of being rehired, marking a small but significant step in addressing the issue. However, advocates insist that more must be done to ensure that veterans do not suffer from reduced services due to administrative decisions. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) is closely monitoring this situation, as staffing shortages at the VA could directly impact FRA members and the broader veteran community. Ensuring that the VA remains fully staffed and operational is critical to protecting the benefits and care that veterans have earned. The FRA supports Congressional efforts to hold the VA accountable and ensure that those who serve receive the highest level of care and support. 

Veterans who have experienced delays or disruptions in their VA services are encouraged to contact their representatives and voice their concerns. The FRA will continue to advocate for policies that uphold the commitment to those who have served our nation. 

Military Spouses Exempted from Federal Return-to-Office Mandate 
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that military spouses employed as federal civilian workers will be exempt from the government’s return-to-office mandate. This decision acknowledges the unique challenges faced by military families, including frequent relocations and the need for flexible work arrangements. 

Military families often endure frequent moves due to service obligations, making it difficult for spouses to maintain steady employment. The exemption ensures that military spouses can continue working remotely without the added burden of commuting, allowing them to sustain their careers despite geographic instability. 

This policy change is part of the Department of Defense’s broader "Taking Care of Our People" initiative, which focuses on improving quality of life for service members and their families. By granting this exemption, the government aims to support military spouses in maintaining long-term employment, reducing financial strain, and promoting family stability. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) recognizes the importance of this decision in helping military families achieve greater financial and professional stability. FRA has long supported measures that ease employment challenges for service members and their spouses. Ensuring that military families receive the support they need remains a key priority for the association, and FRA will continue to advocate for policies that enhance the well-being of those who serve. 

BAS Funds Redirection 
A recent military.com investigation has revealed that the U.S. Army has been redirecting substantial portions of funds deducted from soldiers' paychecks, intended for their meals, to other unspecified expenses. This practice has raised significant concerns about financial transparency and the well-being of service members. 

The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is designed to offset the cost of meals for service members. As of 2025, enlisted members receive $465.77 monthly, while officers receive $320.78. For soldiers residing in barracks, this amount is automatically deducted to fund base dining facilities. However, in fiscal year 2024, data from 11 major Army bases indicated that over $151 million of the $225 million collected was not spent on food services. Instead, these funds were "returned to the big pool of Army funds" and utilized elsewhere. For instance, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, 87% of the collected $17 million was redirected, and at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 63% of the $14.5 million collected was used for other purposes. Army officials have attributed this to declining dining hall attendance, often due to complaints about food quality, but have not clarified the exact reallocation of these funds. 

In light of these findings, the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), dedicated to advocating for the interests of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel, is urging Congress to take immediate action. The FRA plans to send a formal letter to both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the following areas: 

Extent of Fund Misallocation Across Services: Determine whether similar redirection of BAS funds is occurring within the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. 

Impact Assessment on Service Members: Evaluate how the diversion of these funds affects the quality of life, morale, and readiness of service members, especially those in junior enlisted ranks. 

Transparency and Accountability Measures: Review current financial oversight mechanisms to ensure that funds allocated for subsistence are used appropriately and develop strategies to prevent future misallocations. 

The FRA emphasizes that the integrity of the BAS system is crucial for maintaining the trust and welfare of service members. Ensuring that funds designated for their sustenance are used as intended is a fundamental responsibility of military leadership and oversight bodies. This situation underscores the need for rigorous financial management and accountability within the armed services to uphold the rights and well-being of those who serve. 

USS Harry S. Truman Commanding Officer Relieved Following Collision 
The U.S. Navy has relieved Captain Dave Snowden of his duties as commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman following a collision with a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. Rear Admiral Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, cited a "loss of confidence in his ability to command" as the reason for the decision. 

The incident occurred on February 12, 2025, near Port Said, Egypt, when the Harry S. Truman collided with the Panamanian-flagged merchant vessel Besiktas-M. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the ship's nuclear propulsion plants remained in "safe and stable condition." The collision caused significant damage to the carrier's side, but no flooding was reported. 

Captain Snowden, who had been in command since December 2023, has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic. Captain Christopher Hill, currently commanding the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, will serve as the interim commanding officer of the Harry S. Truman. 

The Navy has stated that the incident will not impact the Harry S. Truman's mission or schedule. The ship is currently in Souda Bay, Greece, undergoing repairs.