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Facing reports that he might soon be fired by the White House, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin told a House subcommittee Thursday that he was fighting “politics and distractions to focus on vets.” Shulkin began the session with praise of President Trump’s proposed $200 billion budget for the agency, calling it “very strong.” But he was quickly asked about his own situation. “Let’s discuss the proverbial elephant in the room — some reports even mentioned you have an armed guard stationed outside your office?” Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) asked during the hearing before the House Appropriations subcommittee. “Is all of this squabbling affecting your mission to serve veterans?” (Wax-Thibodeaux, 3/15)

A combat veteran killed himself after fatally shooting three mental health workers last week at a California veterans home, authorities said Thursday. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office said Albert Wong, 36, shot the three workers in the head with a rifle at the California Veterans Home in Yountville. The sheriff didn’t release the type of rifle used. The sheriff also serves as the county’s coroner. (3/15)