The House Appropriations Committee voted 30-22 to pass a bill on Tuesday to authorize $694.6 billion in fiscal year 2021 funds for the Department of Defense (DoD). The measure reflects a $3.7 billion drop from the president’s budget request and a $1.3 billion increase from the FY 2020 enacted level, the House panel said Tuesday.
The FY 2021 defense spending bill would earmark $140.1 billion in funds for aircraft procurement, shipbuilding, acquisition of ground vehicles, munitions and other equipment.
The proposed legislation would allocate $254.5 billion for operation and maintenance; $104.6 billion for research, development, test and evaluation efforts; $162.3 billion for military personnel; and $35.7 billion for other DoD programs.
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the measure provides the Pentagon with appropriate resources to ensure the security of the country and its allies and address evolving threats.
“The bill ensures that our service members are well-trained and equipped and that they are prepared for future military needs. It also includes the full funding necessary to provide service members with a 3.0 percent pay raise,” Lowey added.