Staff Reports
The Biden Administration has faced backlash after rejecting a proposal to increase pay for U.S. military troops. The House Armed Services Committee suggested a $24 billion pay raise for enlisted service members in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act draft. However, the administration opposed the pay raise, citing budget constraints. Critics have pointed to the administration’s approval of significant spending for Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, which contrasts with its rejection of the pay raise for U.S. troops. The bill also aimed to enhance healthcare benefits for military members and extend bonuses and allowances to service personnel.
Servicemembers are relying on food banks, SNAP, and WIC to put food on the table.
But President Biden is against a pay raise for our servicemembers. pic.twitter.com/5RIMxIggSB— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) June 11, 2024
Some Republican lawmakers have criticized the administration’s decision. Representative Clay Higgins argued that the president is prioritizing foreign aid over the needs of American troops, while Representative Mike Rogers called the administration’s move “offensive” and “unacceptable.” Others, including Representative Jim Banks and Representative Matt Gaetz, accused the president of neglecting the military’s well-being.
Young service members can barely afford to get by in the Biden economy.
To make matters worse, the Biden White House just issued a statement “STRONGLY OPPOSING” House Republicans’ pay increase for junior enlisted service members! Shameful!
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) June 11, 2024
Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the proposed $883.7 billion for military functions falls beneath the $895.2 billion funding cap outlined in the proposal. This news has sparked widespread debate and criticism over the administration’s priorities and treatment of the U.S. military personnel.
