SASC Approves $740B Defense Budget for FY2022

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have approved a $740 billion spending plan for the Department of Defense in fiscal year 2022, up by $24 billion compared to President Joe Biden’s request.

The SASC’s version of the FY2022 defense authorization bill includes $1.7 billion in funding to restore an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and $1.5 billion for the purchase of additional F-15EX fighter jets, E-2D and C-130J aircraft, KC-130J tankers and CH-53K helicopters.

Additionally, the spending plan earmarks an extra $500 million for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and $1 billion to pay for research and prototyping activities related to artificial intelligence, microelectronics and 5G, Military Times reported.

“This is a big win for our national security and sends a strong message to both our allies and adversaries that America is prepared to stand up for ourselves and our friends,” SASC ranking member Sen. Jim Inhofe said in a statement.

Besides increasing spending for military platforms, the Senate panel’s draft authorization bill includes language that would strip military officials of the authority to make legal decisions on sexual assault and other serious crimes.

Language under the proposed bill would also boost parental leave for all service members to 12 weeks, promote pay equity for guard troops and reservists, and require women to register with the Selective Service System.

A full Senate vote on the SASC defense authorization bill is slated to take place after the August recess. Meanwhile, the House Armed Services Committee is expected to finalize its own draft bill in early September.