USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee adopted a $833 billion defense funding measure. This bill contains a considerable pay increase for junior enlisted personnel while decreasing funding for certain Pentagon programs and help to Ukraine. The package was approved by voice vote, despite concerns from some Democrats over provisions they consider divisive.
Provisions Targeting Social Issues
According to Stripes, the bill contains provisions that ban funding for diversity and inclusion initiatives, gender-affirming health care, and the Defense Department from subsidizing travel costs for service members seeking abortion and other reproductive health care in another state. Rep. Ken Calvert of California, the Republican chairman of the subcommittee, indicated that the bill seeks to boost military capabilities by eliminating “wasteful, inefficient” projects.
Pay Raise Details
The legislation proposes a 4.5% pay raise for all troops, in line with the White House’s request, along with an additional 15% pay increase for junior enlisted service members, costing $2.5 billion. The House Armed Services Committee had previously endorsed these pay hikes.
Democratic Opposition
Democrats on the committee expressed concerns over the bill’s provisions, which they believe will harm morale and unity among service members. They criticized the inclusion of controversial policy riders, similar to those in last year’s bill that were ultimately removed during negotiations. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, stated, “These policy riders do not belong in appropriations bills and, like last year, we will defeat them.”
Climate Change and Civilian Workforce Cuts
Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota, the top Democrat on the defense subpanel, voiced opposition to cuts of $612 million from the Pentagon’s climate change initiatives and $916 million from the military’s civilian workforce. She warned that curtailing abortion access and diversity efforts could weaken military recruitment, which has recently shown signs of improvement.
Ukraine Funding Omission
The bill does not include the White House’s $300 million request for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which has funded training and weapons procurement for Ukraine since fiscal 2015. Democrats criticized this omission, questioning why bipartisan support for Ukraine is being undermined.
Republican Support for Defense Focus
Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, defended the bill, stating it enhances America’s defense capabilities and readiness in the face of global threats, particularly competition with China. “By focusing resources on the core duty of the Pentagon, the mission to deliver a combat-ready military that can prevent war and protect our great nation is met,” he said.
