House Measure Clears Committee

Having completed the markup of its version of the 2016 defense-spending bill, the House Armed Services Committee referred the measure to the House floor for further action. The measure, H.R. 1735, includes several provisions the Obama administration opposes. In a May 12 statement, the White House reiterated disapproval of the plan to leave sequestration cuts in place and pay for continuing expeditionary missions with Overseas Contingency Operations funding. The White House also opposes the House plan to keep open the detention center at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba, and its rejection of recommended changes in health-care coverage under TRICARE. In contrast with the House, the administration reiterated its contentions that another round of base closure and realignment (BRAC) is necessary, and that the White House should have the authority to provide support to Iraq in the country’s fight against the Islamic State.