Senator Lamar Alexander said the appropriations package passed by the Senate on Monday establishes the nation’s military spending priorities, which include pay raises for troops at Ft. Campbell and important Department of Energy national security programs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.
“For the first time in nearly 10 years these appropriations bills are on time, and they are also within the budget.
I’m glad we are restoring the practice of regular order for appropriations from start to finish.
“Governing is about setting priorities, and this funding package shows that our priority is the men and women who serve in our armed forces. This package includes the largest pay raise for troops in nearly a decade, including pay raises for troops at Ft. Campbell and Naval Support Activity Mid-South. It also makes important investments in research and development of new technology so our military can deal with new and emerging threats. In addition, this bill provides funding for advanced equipment to help ensure the men and women of the armed forces have the tools they need protect American interests at home and abroad.”
“This spending package also includes $96 billion for the Department of Defense to conduct research and development – a measure that will give the United States an advantage over our adversaries and allow us to maintain the strongest and most advanced military in the world—and increases funding for hypersonic research conducted by the University of Tennessee.
“This bill includes $1.3 billion to ensure the men and women serving in our National Guard have the resources they need to keep our country safe during catastrophes.
“This legislation also strengthens our national security by supporting important programs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge to help modernize and maintain our nuclear weapons arsenal.”
The spending package provides $674 billion to fund the Department of Defense, which includes the following priorities:
- A 2.6 percent pay increase for military personnel -- the largest pay raise since 2010 -- including those stationed at Fort Campbell and Naval Support Activity Mid-South.
- Provides $617 million for research and development of next generation hypersonic, including fully funding the important hypersonics research being carried out by the University of Tennessee at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma.
- $67.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding to help ensure our military men and women are properly trained and equipped when deployed overseas.
- Funding for 1,338,100 active duty troops and 817,700 reserve troops.
- $34.4 billion for the Defense Health Program which includes $1.5 billion for medical research programs at the Department of Defense.