A draft version of the annual defense authorization bill calls for more financial support for younger troops. The big pay boost is part of a $842 billion Defense Department spending plan unveiled by the White House on Thursday. The $858 billion measure also includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops next year and plans to backfill munition stockpiles depleted by the war in Ukraine. The basic allowance for housing issue affected roughly 175 sailors but has since been fixed, officials said. The group wants military leaders to resume paying 100% of the housing allowance formula, instead of the current 95%. DoD has unveiled a number of initiatives to improve quality of life for service members, including a boost in Basic Allowance in Housing for some troops. Leaders hope to give noncommissioned officers a pay raise and change how the military calculates benefits like housing stipends. Amid record-breaking spikes in rent, service members and activists say the Department of Defense has not adequately increased housing allowances. Service members in unaccompanied housing affected by the fuel-tainted Navy water system must stay put. They are being provided bottled water, meals and laundry and shower facilities. The military must temporarily halt stripping two officers who refused to take the COVID vaccine of their commands, a federal judge in Florida ruled. Load More