CBO: Defense Bill Would Cost $587.8 Billion

The Senate version of the 2017 defense-spending bill would result in estimated outlays of $587.8 billion between 2017 and 2021, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The measure, S. 2943, would authorize $603.9 billion for military and certain Department of Energy activities, and set strength limits for the active and reserve components of the armed services. If the measure were to pass in its current form, $544.1 billion would count against the cap set forth by the Budget Control Act. Other provisions would increase discretionary spending in the coming years, focusing mainly upon force structure, compensation, benefits, health care, and procurement.