Pay Raise, $750 Billion Defense Policy Bill Gets Senate OK

The Senate Armed Services Committee resoundingly passed a defense policy bill May 22 that authorizes $750 billion in Pentagon spending in fiscal 2020, establishes the U.S. Space Force and provides funds for the largest pay raise for active-duty troops in nearly a decade. In a 25-2 vote following a day-long debate on the proposed legislation and the adoption of 298 of 433 proposed amendments, the committee passed provisions that address a number of personnel problems, allow for the purchase of new ships and aircraft, and support overseas contingency operations. Read more about the bill on Military.com.