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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) VA tests system for electronic disability claims

If the interminable backlog of veterans' disability claims has any chance of being eliminated, the system must go paperless. As a rollout of system tests begins, the question now becomes how to move to a fully electronic system, and one Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki wants resolved by 2012, when a modern system is to start rolling out.

2) Gates announces rules change for discharging gay servicemembers

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he has approved a series of changes in how the Pentagon implements the law banning gay people from serving openly in the military. The changes go into effect immediately and make it harder to discharge a gay person for violating the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy by putting higher-ranking officers in charge of discharge proceedings and tighter rules on evidence.

3) Inquiry could lead to court-martial for ex-Army surgeon

The former military surgeon and Medtronic consultant accused of falsifying research about the benefits of a bone-growth product used on soldiers injured in Iraq is now under investigation for a possible court-martial, officials at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center said.

4) Last Call Spotlights IAVA, Paul Rieckhoff

IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff joined Last Call with Carson Daly and used the platform to discuss the needs of the nation’s 2 million veterans, IAVA's work on veterans issues and to call on Americans to support our troops and get involved in the new veterans movement.

AFGHANISTAN

The date is rapidly approaching when American fixtures like Burger King, Cold Stone Creamery and TGI Fridays will be closed on the Kandahar boardwalk as ordered by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

The United Nations human rights organization called Thursday for the repeal of a controversial amnesty law in Afghanistan that shields alleged war criminals from prosecution.

Retired Lt. Gen. David Barno, the former top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, has been under investigation for over a year amid allegations he grossly mismanaged a Pentagon-funded research center.

IRAQ

Iraq's electoral commission insisted it will announce full election results as scheduled Friday, despite calls for a delay amid fears of violence over the tight race.

As the drawdown in Iraq continues, Gen Ray Odierno American commander in Iraq, is working to salvage the legacy of the war.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

The Pentagon is revamping the way it deploys troops to Afghanistan, putting in place a new system that will return units to the same parts of the country so they can develop better regional expertise and closer relationships with local Afghan power brokers.

With employment lagging and retention at a 15-year high, the Air Force is looking to cut 5,750 people from its ranks by 2012.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen have voiced rare public criticism at a top Army commander who urged opponents of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” recall to resist and write their Congress members.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

After giving a talk at New Hampshire’s Saint Anselm College, a must-see campus for presidential contenders, speculation emerged that Gen. David Patraeus may be considering a presidential run – despite Patraeus’ statements to the contrary.

Several senators expressed concern Wednesday about increasing psychiatric drug usage among servicemembers and called on top military health officials to provide detailed data about how many troops are on anti-depressants and other mind-altering drugs.

CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE

THE SENATE

 The Senate convenes at 9:30 a.m.

SENATE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

 No issues today

COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

Senate Armed Services hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget request for the Department of Defense. 9 a.m., 106 Dirksen

FUTURE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

No hearings

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 



March 29, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health Field Hearing: Providing Essential Services and Benefits for Veterans in New Mexico and across America 2:00 p.m.; New Mexico State University Corbett Center Student Union Senate Gallery, Las Cruces, NM

April 7, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Field Hearing: Serving America’s Aging Veterans: Is the VA doing Its Part? 10:00 a.m.; Fishkill Town Hall

April 15, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Hearing: Status of Veterans Employment 1:00 p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB

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 .