WASHINGTON — House Republicans are sparing aircraft, military bases and benefits from budget cuts by chipping away at money the Pentagon spends in preparing the military for war.
Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, unveiled the $601 billion measure on Monday. The committee will consider the bill on Wednesday.
The legislation rejects Pentagon attempts to close unnecessary military bases and shift more out-of-pocket costs to the military for housing, groceries and health care for families and retirees.
It bars funds to retire the U-2 spy plane and calls on the Pentagon to keep the A-10 Warthog in storage rather than retire the aircraft.
In a trade-off, the bill cuts tens of millions in repairs and training accounts.