House Approves $288-Billion Defense Budget

WASHINGTON —  The House of Representatives approved a $288-billion defense spending bill Wednesday that boosts military pay, improves military health care and bolsters efforts to recruit and retain troops.

The bill, approved 367 to 58, helps pay for two new Army brigades that can quickly deploy to hot spots and provides nearly $60 billion for procurement of new weaponry.

The legislation is the result of a House-Senate negotiating conference that worked out minor spending differences between the two chambers. It now goes to the Senate, where quick approval is expected.

Under the fiscal 2001 legislation, military spending will increase by $18 billion. The bill provides more than $3 billion above the figure budgeted by President Clinton.

Included is a $963-million increase in military health care funds to pay for broadened pharmacy access for all Medicare-eligible military retirees, and additional funds to boost reenlistment bonuses and enlistment incentives.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands), head of the Appropriations Committee’s defense panel, called the bill “a fabulous piece of work.”

But Rep. David R. Obey of Wisconsin, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said the measure would reduce funds for operations that contribute to military readiness.

The measure provides $1.8 billion for the rapid response units proposed earlier this year by Army Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki.

The bill includes a 3.7% pay raise for troops and provides nearly $1.9 billion for development of a national missile defense system.

It also cuts nearly $400 million in development funds from the Pentagon’s Joint Strike Fighter program.