Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is set to run out Saturday, potentially affecting more than 1.2 million veterans who rely on the program. The Agriculture Department has announced that it will not use emergency funds to cover the program during a government shutdown, instead calling on Congress to pass a short-term spending bill.

Vice President JD Vance has assured that military personnel will continue to receive pay amid the government shutdown, although he has not detailed the funding mechanism. The shutdown, now the second-longest in US history, is affecting millions, with food assistance and other federal services at risk.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth commends Japan's plan to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product and to invest further in the military after President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to strengthen defense ties. Hegseth, after meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, notes progress on a new US military headquarters in Japan.

James Caggy, nominee for assistant secretary of defense for mission capabilities, and Joseph Jewell, nominee for assistant secretary of defense for science and technology, have emphasized the urgency of rapidly delivering new technologies to the military. Caggy aims to streamline processes to accelerate prototyping and capability delivery, while Jewell focuses on shortening the timeline from research and development to battlefield applications.

The US Air Force is preparing for the T-7A Red Hawk era, with the Boeing and Saab aircraft set to replace the T-38 Talon. The initial contract is for 351 jets, but Boeing aims for global sales of 3,000.

The New York Army National Guard has ranked first in the US for recruitment and retention for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 113% of its authorized strength with 11,700 soldiers. The NYARNG recruited 2,065 personnel and reenlisted 1,819 soldiers in 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of partnerships with local communities.

Tricare beneficiaries will see higher prescription copayments next year, with most rates rising between 12% and 15.8%, according to a Federal Register notice. However, Tricare will also expand coverage for treatments such as cryosurgery for lung cancer and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for postoperative pain. Additionally, a new Tricare Prime option managed by CareSource Military and Veterans will be available in Atlanta and Tampa, Fla.