IAVA Daily Brief 2.17.10

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 [1] or subscribe to receive the brief in your inbox each morning at www.iava.org/dailynewsbrief [2].

MUST READS

1) VA continues efforts to recoup emergency Post-9/11 GI Bill advance payments [3]

About 122,000 people now have received word from the Veterans Affairs Department that they must start paying back the $3,000 advance payments of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits they received late last year. A second warning letter will come this week, officials said.

2) Top Taliban Military Commander Captured [4]

The capture of the Afghan Taliban's top military leader in Pakistan represents a turning point in the U.S.-led war against the militants, U.S. officials and analysts said. The arrest of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar represents the most significant Taliban capture since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a senior Obama administration official said Tuesday.

3) Concessions to close in Afghanistan in next 90 days [5]

A Feb. 5 order by Gen Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, will lead to all Army and Air Force Exchange Service concessions being closed in the next 90 days. More than 50 AAFES concessions would close under the order, including popular fast-food outlets like Burger King, Popeyes and Taco Bell, as well as jewelry stores, souvenir stores and new car sales outlets.

AFGHANISTAN

The Marine Corps is dropping its conventional 5.56mm ammunition in Afghanistan in favor of new deadlier, more accurate rifle rounds [6], and could field them at any time.

The Afghan military told Taliban fighters Monday to lay down their arms [7] and help their countrymen build a better future as the offensive against the militant stronghold of Marjah slowed in the face of gunbattles and sniper attacks.

IRAQ

Many Iraqis released by U.S. forces after being detained for suspected links to Sunni insurgents have been killed by tribes seeking revenge [8] or are being driven back into the arms of al Qaeda.

The number of American troops in Iraq has dropped below 100,000 for the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion in a clear signal [9] the U.S. is wrapping up its nearly seven-year war to meet a deadline for leaving the country, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

A new study of Iraq war veterans suggests that more discussion of killing in combat may help veterans cope [10] with an array of mental health problems stemming from war.

The U.S. military's highest court says it will review the conviction [11] of an Army reservist who prosecutors said was the ringleader of detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

A virtual-reality experience [12] helped reduce pain levels in veterans with combat-associated burns during wound care treatment, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine’s 26th annual meeting.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

Hillary Clinton's plane was grounded in Saudi Arabia Tuesday, forcing the secretary of state to hitch a ride [13] on Gen. David Petraeus' plane, outranking him in the process.

CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE

THE SENATE

The Senate is not in session.

SENATE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

No issues today

COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

No issues today

THE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES



The House is not in session.

HOUSE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

No issues today

HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST



No issues today

FUTURE 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

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.

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