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![U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, a Virginia Republican, listens to a fellow representative April 9, 2024, at the Sea-Air-Space naval conference.](https://archetype-air-force-times-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/YNKMB2PZFBGIVPQ6CCMJXZISUI.jpg?auth=7bee9022427a1b1b7c4ea2bccd4cd595a08be88d4f1babb279e249fe575794b7&width=6016&height=4016)
Expect a $833B defense budget for FY25, but not on time, lawmaker says
Rep. Rob Wittman said he expects a short-term budget deal for federal spending to be finalized before the end of the month.
Congress’ defense fight to focus on pay raises, total military spending
Here’s a look at the major differences in the House and Senate bills, and the debates ahead.
House defense bill would undo Pentagon’s abortion travel policy
The benefit in question provides reimbursement of travels costs to get access to otherwise noncovered reproductive health care services.
GOP green lights FY25 defense bill, but more social fights ahead
Abortion, diversity training and COVID prevention are again hot-button issues in the military appropriations plan for next year.
Junior enlisted pay bump to cost as much as two new aircraft carriers
A plan to boost young troops' pay by an extra 15% next year will cost more than $24 billion over the next five years, officials said.
Enlisted pay raise, abortion ban included in panel’s defense budget
The annual defense appropriations bill would give all troops a 4.5% pay raise in 2025, with some enlisted troops getting a boost of nearly 20%.
Biden threatens VA budget veto over abortion, gender-affirming care
The White House is opposed to a Republican-backed VA budget plan that is expected to be advanced this week.
House lawmakers moving ahead on defense, VA budget bills
Defense and veterans hearings for the week of June 3, 2024.
Powerful GOP senator eyes ships, jets, nukes in defense spending surge
Sen. Wicker's plan lays out an additional $55 billion above FY25 defense spending caps.
Lawmakers seek to speed up claims for Camp Lejeune toxic water victims
The bill would cap attorney's fees, clarify jury trial option and expand courts to reduce case backlog.
By Todd South