House panel rejects proposed Pentagon cuts that would affect housing, commissaries

WASHINGTON – Congress is saying "not so fast" to a Pentagon proposal to cut subsidies to military commissaries where service members and their families shop at a reduced cost, as well as other proposed changes to benefits.

The House Armed Services Committee unveiled its draft legislation Tuesday, and Republicans and Democrats on the military personnel subcommittee are expected to approve it Wednesday.

Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, chairman of the committee, said the legislation rejects Pentagon proposals "that would have increased out-of-pocket costs for military families." In proposing its fiscal 2015 budget, the Pentagon called for a $1 billion cut over three years to the subsidies for commissaries, reducing the amount to $400 million. The Defense Department is also calling for smaller housing allowances and changes in the health care program.