Armed Forces News

Active-duty and reserve-component service members would receive a 3.1-percent increase in basic pay on Jan. 1, under the Senate version of the 2020 defense-spending bill. The Senate Armed Services Committee completed the markup of the bill May 23, passing it by a 25-2 vote. It now moves to the Senate floor for final consideration.
The Senate and House must meet to reconcile their differences before delivering a final bill to President Trump for his signature. Key provisions of the Senate measure include:
•     A total of $750 billion, to include $642.5 billion for the Defense Department and $23.2 billion for the Department of Energy. Another $75.9 billion would fund overseas contingency operations.
•     $18.07 billion for military construction.
•     Setting strength levels. The Army would have 480,000 soldiers; the Navy, 340,500 sailors; the Marine Corps, 186,000; and the Air Forcer, 332,800 airmen.
•     A $155.8 billion personnel package, to cover pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits, and permanent-change-of-station (PCS) moves.
•     $33 billion for the Defense Health Program.
•     Provisions that would address problems with military housing, to include an increase of $301.8 million to improve oversight and planning at the base level.
•     Establishment of an independent Space Force.
•     Countering the emerging threats from China, Russia, and nations that harbor terrorists.
•     Funding for more fighters, ships, helicopters, combat vehicles, and other programs to increase force lethality.