Defense Spending Bill Marked Up

House appropriators have approved the fiscal year 2016 defense spending bill on a voice vote, according to a statement just issued by the Appropriations Committee:

In total, the bill provides $578.6 billion in discretionary funding, an increase of $24.4 billion above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $800 million above the President’s request. This includes $88.4 billion in Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) funding for war efforts and related costs, which is within the level assumed in the House and Senate budget conference agreement.

"Now, more than ever, we must ensure that our troops and officers have the resources they need to protect this great nation and our way of life," Chairman Hal Rogers said. "This bill makes responsible use of every tax dollar to give our armed forces the resources they need to stay safe, prepared, and in peak fighting form."

"This legislation will help ensure that our armed forces are agile, efficient, ready and lethal," said Defense Subcommittee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen. "It reflects the reality that we live in an increasingly dangerous world, and we must guarantee that our military and intelligence community have the strength and capability to meet the rise of Islamic terror groups and other emerging threats and deter would-be aggressors like Iran, China, and Russia and North Korea. I am proud that we have kept faith with the brave men and women, and their families, who selflessly serve our country."

The full committee added two amendments to the bill, one of them a "sense of Congress" statement via a 29-22 vote that reads:

"Congress has a constitutional duty to debate and determine whether or not to authorize the use of military force against ISIL."