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Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA. Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom or subscribe to receive the brief in your inbox each morning at www.iava.org/dailynewsbrief.

MUST READS

1) Navy to lift ban on women serving aboard submarines

Women are a big step closer to serving on U.S. Navy submarines. The Department of Defense informed Congress that the Navy has decided to lift the ban on female submarine crewmembers. In related news, in testimony Tuesday, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey said it was time to rethink the policy that prohibits women from serving on the frontlines. See IAVA’s issue report “ Women Warriors ” for a comprehensive review of the urgent service and homecoming issues facing female troops and veterans.

2) U.S. players learned team lesson from military

Hockey’s Team U.S.A GM Brian Burke used U.S. military servicemembers to inspire this year’s team. During preparation for the Vancouver Olympics, Burke asked members of the Marines and Navy SEALs — including several wounded warriors — to share their stories of service to the country.

3) Major hiring push will expand veterans’ services

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to hire roughly 105,000 employees in the next two years as part of the Obama administration's expansion of benefits and services for veterans. Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould talked Monday about the hiring plans and what it will mean for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

AFGHANISTAN

The U.S. military plans to spend more than $600 million to build nearly 200 police stations for the Afghan National Police over the next year.

The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has reached 1,000, an independent website said on Tuesday. The Pentagon disputed the figure, saying 916 had died in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan combined since the Taliban fell.

General Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, appeared on Afghan national television Tuesday to apologize directly to the Afghan people for last week's deadly NATO airstrike that officials say killed 21 people.

IRAQ

Iraq will not pull a scandal-ridden bomb detection device from service, saying an investigation has determined that most of the wand-like instruments work, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

A series of bombings, beheadings and shootings rippled through Iraq on Monday, leaving at least 23 people dead, including 9 children, and intensifying concern about a spike in violence with less than two weeks until national elections.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

As Veterans Affairs Department officials laid out a plan for the Institute of Medicine to look for links between certain symptoms and burn-pit exposure, they quizzed Defense Department scientists about what they’ve already done in that regard.

Confronted by a recent survey that shows soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq are fighting for their lives in hand-to-hand combat with insurgents, U.S. Army officials are revamping their basic combatives training.

Authorities said two men were shot by security officers after they drove a stolen car through a gate at an Air Force base outside Phoenix during a police chase.

With thousands of service members returning home to California after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, a new push is underway to help disabled veterans get more work – especially those who own or are launching small businesses.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

Space programs, aircraft and ship maintenance, and helicopter upgrades are among $1.8 billion in priority weapons programs that were not funded in the Pentagon's fiscal 2011 budget, the military services told Congress.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to phase out private security contractors, saying he is bothered by the fact that the U.S. military uses so many contractors to help fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE

THE SENATE

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.

SENATE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

No issues today

COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

No issues today

FUTURE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

February 26, 2010 SVAC Hearing: VA’s FY 2011 Budget 9:30 a.m.; 418 Russell

March 3, 2010 SVAC Oversight Hearing: Mental Health Care and Suicide Prevention for Veterans 9:30 a.m.; 418 Russell

March 24, 2010 SVAC Oversight Hearing: VA's Plan for Ending Homelessness among Veterans

THE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES



The House convenes at 10:00 a.m.

HOUSE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

Suspension (1 Bill)

H.Con.Res. 238 - Recognizing the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home after serving in the Armed Forces, their heroic military sacrifices, and their patriotism in fighting for equal rights and for the dignity of a people and a Nation (Rep. Kissell – Veterans’ Affairs)

HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST



February 24, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs will hold a hearing entitled, "Exploring the Relationship between Medication and Veteran Suicide." 10:00 a.m.; Cannon 334

February 24, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing will hold a hearing entitled, " Examination of the VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge and Quick Start Programs." 2:00 p.m.; Cannon 334

FUTURE HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST



March 3, 2010 HVAC Subcommittee on Health Hearing: Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4241, regarding State Veterans Home reimbursement 2:00 p.m.; 340 Cannon HOB

March 4, 2010 House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies hearing: VA’s budget requests for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012. Time and Location: TBD.

A wide-range of views, positions, and publications are represented in these articles. These views, positions and publications are not endorsed by nor do they necessarily represent the views of IAVA .