WASHINGTON, March 21 (PNA/Sputnik) — The United States increased its overseas defense contingency budget by nearly two-thirds to finance modernization programs and missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte said in a press release.
“The Graham-Ayotte amendment increases spending in the Overseas Contingency Operations Account by USD 38 billion, up to USD 96 billion, from the original allocation of USD 58 billion,” the release, issued on Friday, stated.
Ayotte explained that the amendment provides necessary funding to protect U.S. forces deployed overseas in Afghanistan, and combating the Islamic State and other terrorist groups.
“At a time when the threats to our nation are growing, this amendment provides necessary funding to protect our servicemen and women and keep our country safe,” Ayotte said.
U.S. Congress has additional work to do in the coming months to replace the Budget Control Act’s limits and replenish defense funding, Ayotte added.
The U.S. defense budget is subject to a base budget spending cap under the 2011 Budget Control Act, also known as sequestration.
The U.S. Defense Department has requested approximately USD 585 billion in defense spending, which is higher than the amount of spending authorized under the Budget Control Act. (PNA/Sputnik)