The Senate approved a bill that would end a Civil-War era policy barring veterans from hiring lawyers to seek benefits unless they have exhausted the VA claims process. Veterans Affairs officials had tried to dissuade lawmakers from pursuing the legislation. If approved by the House, the bill (S. 2694) also would make changes to the Montgomery G.I. Bill, allowing for accelerated benefits for high-cost, short-term training for certain jobs. It also includes a provision to remove the “ashes of convicted double murderer Russell Wagner from Arlington National Cemetery,” according to a statement from Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Airman Charged in M18 Shooting Death Found Dead
Oct. 27, 2025
The Airman arrested in connection with the M18 pistol discharge that killed a fellow member of Air Force security forces on July 20 in Wyoming was found dead earlier this month, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed.

