Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2020 Defense Funding Bill
WASHINGTON — The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2020 Defense bill on a vote of 30 to 22. The legislation funds the Department of Defense, including operations and maintenance, readiness activities, research and development, equipment modernization, and health and quality-of-life programs for our troops and military families.
In total, the bill provides $690.2 billion in new discretionary spending authority for the Department of Defense for functions under the Defense Subcommittee’s jurisdiction, an increase of $15.8 billion above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, and $8 billion below the request. This includes $622.1 billion in base funding, an increase of $15.6 billion above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $88.2 billion above the President’s request. It also includes $68.1 billion for OCO/GWOT funding in title IX, an increase of $165 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $96.2 billion below the President’s request.
“This bill has made several efforts to focus on the well-being and morale of those in uniform, their families, DoD civilians, and defense communities,” said House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Pete Visclosky. “For example, in addition to a 3.1 percent pay raise for our women and men in uniform, the bill also provides increased funds for military childcare facilities because I believe that access to affordable and quality childcare is vital to retention in our all-volunteer force, particularly for mid-career enlisted personnel and officers. Further, it is unfortunate that the historical and unprecedented comity that has existed between the Committee and the Department of Defense no longer exists, and as a result, the bill reduces the amount of money the Department can move between accounts. As we move forward in the FY 2020 process, I look forward to continuing to work with all Members of Congress to complete our work.”
“In a dangerous world, we must be united to ensure our armed services have the equipment, training, and resources to succeed at every level,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey. “The Defense subcommittee has put forward a responsible spending bill that increases funds by $1 billion to address readiness requirements and ensure the well-being of our service members and their families. This bill also would prohibit the use of funds for President Trump’s wasteful border wall, reserving DOD resources to protect the United States from actual threats, rather than those imagined by our President. This reflects a commitment to our national security for which we can all be proud.”
The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full Committee:
Rep. Visclosky – The manager’s amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Lee #1 – The amendment repeals the 2001 AUMF after 240 days, giving Congress time to debate and vote on a new AUMF. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 30 – 22.
Rep. Ruppersberger #1 – The amendment prohibits funds for cooperation with the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, with certain exceptions. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 30 – 22.
Rep. Fortenberry/Rep. Price – The amendment provides $241.2 million for procurement of equipment to aid in storm recovery at Offutt AFB, Nebraska and two Marine Corps bases in North Carolina, Cherry Point and New River. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Lee #3 – Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed as authorizing the use of force against Iran. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 30 – 22.
A summary of the bill is here. The text of the bill is here. The bill report is here.
###