Overview

• The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the $852 billion defense bill by a bipartisan 26-3 vote, exceeding both House and White House proposals.
• The measure includes a 3.8% troop pay raise next January, a 2% boost in base defense spending and expanded military end strength.
• At roughly $20 billion above the White House’s flat budget request and the House’s $832 billion plan, the Senate figure marks a significant funding increase.
• Key disputes persist over the use of $150 billion in one-time reconciliation funds and the inclusion of policy riders on diversity and social issues.
• With Congress entering its summer recess, lawmakers will need to reconcile their competing plans before Sept. 30 to prevent a partial government shutdown.