’15 Budget Calls for 1-Percent Pay Raise

Service members would receive a 1-percent hike in pay on Jan. 1, under the proposed 2015 defense-spending bill President Obama sent to Congress March 4. The proposal’s bottom line — $496 billion – reflects the figure Obama and lawmakers agreed upon in last year’s Bipartisan Budget Act. It reflects Pentagon leadership’s desire to improve readiness and modernization, and undo the harm caused by sequestration and other recent steep budget cuts. It also calls for greater “efficiencies” and “institutional reform,” including reduced personnel costs and headquarters, and a more consolidated infrastructure. Funding for development of a new strategic bomber, aircraft carriers, the joint strike fighter program, and the KC-46 refueling tanker aircraft is included.