President Bush signed the Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006 into law June 15. The bill, introduced by Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.), authorizes Veterans Affairs to make grants available to help with housing adaptations for severely disabled servicemembers. Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, said previously a veteran had to own their own home to qualify for housing grant assistance—which ranges from $2,000 to $14,000.
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.