The legislation could force a public vote by House defense lawmakers on whether transgender individuals should be allowed to serve in the military.
The service wants a constant Marine Expeditionary Unit presence on the high seas.
Amphibious ships have fallen below a readiness rate of 50% due to maintenance and procurement backlogs.
Administration officials acknowledged that top leaders used a non-government group chat to coordinate ahead of military airstrikes in Yemen.
Republican leaders are concerned about rumored plans to scale back American military involvement in Europe and Japan.
Rep. Pat Fallon takes over the House Armed Services Committee's personnel panel as recruiting continues to pose a challenge to the military's future.
Department leaders have used high-profile partnerships and ad campaigns to reach out to veterans perviously leery of VA programs.
House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.
A provision in the must-pass defense measure would block certain military medical care options for transgender youth.
After lawmakers agreed to plans to boost pay for junior enlisted troops, they are now shifting focus to more senior enlisted members.
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