Now that two more judges are hearing and issuing decisions on veteran’s appeals, the huge backlog of pending cases is starting to slim down, according to a statement from Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Called from retirement, the two judges joined the current seven member panel of judges, and together they are now “on track” to ramp up to 30 percent more decisions issued this year, says Craig, who in July criticized the mounting load of pending cases. Craig called their progress “wonderful news” for veterans.
The U.S. is moving to surge firepower over Iran, including its capital of Tehran, defense officials leading the campaign said March 5 at U.S. Central Command headquarters. Bomber strikes are being stepped up and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed.