ROBERT BURNS
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is not pleased with a budget bill in the House.
The House Armed Services Committee wrote a bill that rejects many cost-savings proposals from the department, including closing excess military bases and retiring aging aircraft.
A Pentagon spokesman says it is still early in the budget process, and Hagel hopes that lawmakers will eventually approve the cuts. The cuts would also slow the growth of some military wages and benefits. The moves are intended to free up money to preserve readiness for combat
Kirby says Hagel plans to talk to lawmakers more about the need for another round of base closings, though Congress rejects the idea.
The House panel approved a $600 billion defense bill on Thursday.
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