Senate had a plan to boost military pay for next year, as well as increasing the end strength of all armed forces. This failed again all because of funding.
The Senate included a 1.6 percent pay raise for all troops next year and billions in new equipment purchases. Republicans feel that the total is still short of what is needed to ensure force readiness for troops.
Democrats in the Senate insisted that a proposal by Sen. John McCain, to add $18 billion to the defense funding plan also be offset by an equal amount of nonmilitary spending. This includes money for cybersecurity efforts, U.S. border security, drug abuse assistance programs etc.
McCain, chairman of the committee, said the funding shortfall for the military poses a national security threat. McCains amendment would have spent the $18 billion on a 2.1 percent pay raise for troops and a boost in Army end strength by 15,000. The other services also would have seen smaller personnel adds, and billions more in new ships and aircraft.
If we oppose extra money, we vote in favor of another year where the pay for our troops does not keep pace with inflation or private-sector averages. We'd be voting in favor of cutting more troops at a time when the operational requirements of our nation’s land forces are growing.
We always hear people say they love the military, everybody loves the military... Here is the thing though, your love doesn’t help them. Your love doesn’t do or buy anything. If you love these men and women, you will adequately fund their needs in order for them to properly protect us as we walk around in a nonchalant manner like other groups aren't out here trying to hurt us.
Semper Fi
Isaac J. Hall II
2/8 Wpns
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