House GOP proposes funding bill with defense spending increase

House Republicans plan to vote on a stopgap funding bill to keep the government running until September 30. The bill proposes a $6 billion increase in defense spending and a $13 billion cut in nondefense spending, while also including $485 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The legislation aims to fully fund veterans' health care and provide a significant pay raise for junior enlisted troops. It also boosts funding for air traffic control and nutrition assistance programs, but Democrats criticize it for lacking specific funding directives and for potential cuts to various programs. Democrats argue the bill creates "slush funds" for the Trump administration and could lead to significant budget cuts in areas like disaster relief and public safety in Washington D.C. The bill would limit D.C.'s spending to its previous fiscal year level, risking cuts to essential services.