The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reached a record level of 2.5 million or more disability and pension claims processed in fiscal 2025, putting the backlog down 37% since President Donald Trump entered office.
The agency reported that although the backlog increased following the expansion of eligibility under the PACT Act during the Biden administration, efficiency in processing has now hit historic highs.
The VA milestone occurs as a series of other federal agency improvements unfold. At the Department of Energy, officials said they would clear out thousands of pending Freedom of Information Act requests by asking requesters who made prior to Oct. 1, 2024, to indicate continued interest or risk case closure. The DOE cited the need to manage resources as requests surge, with up to 5,000 expected this year.
At the same time, the Government Accountability Office released a blunt report on the Office of Personnel Management. It warned of ongoing problems with improper payments, IT security, and staffing gaps that continue to hobble the agency’s mission. GAO observed that OPM stands to lose close to one-third of its workforce by the end of 2025 if corrective actions are not taken.
Labor tensions are mounting at the Department of Agriculture, where plant inspectors sued to challenge the administration’s revocation of their collective bargaining deal. The National Association of Agriculture Employees contends that their duties have no connection to national security and should not be included under the president’s broad order canceling union contracts. The suit is the sixth to come from federal unions for challenging the administration’s labor moves.
In cybersecurity, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued new advice calling on critical infrastructure operators to conduct an inventory of operational technology assets. The action is directed towards safeguarding against rising cyberattacks against industrial control systems, which officials caution remain undersecured.
Elsewhere in government operations, the General Services Administration finalized an enterprise deal with Box, giving agencies up to 75% discounts on content management platforms. The Office of Management and Budget is preparing for the departure of Deputy Controller Deidre Harrison, a longtime career official who is moving to the private sector.
Both the House and Senate on Capitol Hill are driving Defense Department contractor evaluation system reforms, mandating a more objective and streamlined methodology. Meanwhile, former government officials and industry leaders unveiled plans for a commission to examine the structure of a possible US Cyber Force, with a formal start scheduled for September 16.
Together, the trends reflect how federal agencies are dealing with a convoluted combination of record-breaking successes, workforce issues, legal battles, and increasing cyberattacks in 2025.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
