FY-19 DoD markup expected in May

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee is expecting to mark up its FY 2019 Defense Authorization bill around May 9, which may set up a floor vote later that month, according to congressional sources. With the two-year budget deal reached in February, the defense spending cap will rise to $647B. Total discretionary spending, after overseas operations account is included, will likely rise to $716B. A spokesman for the HASC declined to confirm, to the Congressional Quarterly, its schedule for considering the bill. (Source: Defense Communities 03/19/18)