Lawmakers Seek to Slow DoD's Efforts to Slash Medical Billets, Outsource Moves

The House Appropriations Committee moved to rein in the Defense Department as it plans to cut 18,000 military medical billets and proceeds with outsourcing its household goods management system. The committee on May 21 passed a fiscal 2020 defense spending bill that would withhold $250 million from the Defense Health Agency to pay for contractors or civilians to work in jobs in military hospitals now held by nearly 18,000 uniformed personnel whose positions will be eliminated or transferred to operational billets. The committee also has asked for more information on plans to close treatment facilities or eliminate health care services at select hospitals or clinics. The bill also contains provisions aimed at delaying the Pentagon's plans to turn the Defense Personal Property Program, or DP3, over to a single private company. Read more about the spending bill on Military.com.