At a special hearing called by Rep. Steve Buyer, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, information security experts from industry told lawmakers that it is not too late to fix the problems at Veterans Affairs that led to a May 3 data theft. They agreed that the VA’s federated approach is wrong. VA chief James Nicholson testified on Capitol Hill June 8 that the VA had launched—he emphasized “launched”—a shift toward centralized control of information security. Buyer (R-Ind.) plans to hold additional hearings this month.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.