House Republicans endorse largest pay raise for military in decades for 2024
Misty Severi
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Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee endorsed the largest pay increase for military service members in more than 20 years on Monday in their draft of the annual defense policy bill.
The proposed bill includes a 5.2% pay raise for all service members, with additional unspecified pay bumps for junior members. The raise would be the highest since 2002, and it matches President Joe Biden’s request earlier this year, implying bipartisan support.
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Other proposals in the House committee’s draft of the National Defense Authorization Act to help troops that are feeling the effects of inflation include bonuses for E-6s and below that are hurt by the economy, such as more flexibility to adjust the Basic Allowance for Housing that would adjust to housing prices that have increased in the area. Another is an adjustment to the Basic Needs allowance that would help service members who live near the poverty line.
The pay raise alone would mean anywhere from about $1,100 more each year for junior service members, to more than $10,000 more per year for high-ranking officers, according to Military.com. It also matches federal estimates for keeping military pay on pace with the rise in civilian pay in recent years.
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The proposal is part of the National Defense Authorization Act that Congress passes every year. The Senate committee is expected to unveil its proposal for the bill next week. Once both sides agree on the bill, it will go to Biden’s desk later this year.
The NDAA lays out governing and spending guidelines for the Department of Defense. The House Armed Services subcommittees are now expected to debate their portions of the bill on Tuesday and Wednesday before the legislation goes to a full committee vote on June 21.