House passes troop pay increase

The 2014 Defense appropriation bill, which passed the House, includes a 1.8 percent increase in active duty pay, more funding to address sexual assaults in the military, investments in suicide prevention, and other spending essential for the health and quality of life of our men and women in uniform and their families.  In all, H.R. 2397 provides $512.5 billion in non-war funding and $85.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations – paying for the war in Afghanistan.  This represents a decrease of $5.1 billion below the fiscal 2013 enacted level and $3.4 billion below the President’s request for fiscal 2014. Total funding, however, would be $28.1 billion above the current level resulting from sequestration.  This increase will have to be made up by cuts elsewhere.  While I do support the decision to help our troops and their families with the resources they need, I am concerned that funding for education, infrastructure, and other important programs at home will have to be slashed to pay for the military spending.