Several provisions of the Senate version of the 2016 Defense Authorization Bill are drawing White House criticism. In a June 2 statement, the Obama administration specifically objected to the Senate bill’s failure “to authorize sufficient funding for your military’s priorities,” while keeping cost-cutting measures under sequestration in place. The White House also took issue with the Senate’s incorporation of Overseas
Contingency Operations funding to “circumvent budget caps [and] ignore the long-term connection between national security and economic security.” Other concerns center upon:
* Proposed TRICARE reforms. The administration would like to increase certain copayments for some beneficiaries.
* Differences regarding proposed efficiencies to the commissary system, including privatization.
* Base realignment and closure (BRAC). Both the Senate and House object to any closures; the White House believes another round is necessary.
* Retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The administration sides with Air Force leadership, favoring retirement of the aircraft. The Senate and House both want to continue funding the A-10.
* The Aviation Restructure Initiative, specifically as it pertains to the administration’s proposal to transfer some AH-64 Apache helicopters to the National Guard.
* The administration’s plan to cut management and operational-headquarters expenses by 20 percent. The Senate wants to hold reductions to levels set in the 2015 defense-spending bill.
* Limits to the amount of assistance provided to Ukraine. The Senate bill authorizes no more than 50 percent of the $300 million in authorized funds, until at least 20 percent of that figure is spent on lethal assistance or counter-battery radars.
* A reduction in funding for CVN 79 Ford-class carriers. “Further reductions may impact the delivery of integral war-fighting capability,” the White House said.
* Senate plans to limit funding research and development for the Navy’s newest littoral combat ships and frigates.
* A Senate proposal to restrict basic allowance for housing (BAH) for service members who are married to other service members.
