The White House announced Tuesday that it opposes the 19.5% pay raise House lawmakers are considering for junior enlisted service members, saying it’s too expensive and is premature, given that the administration is reviewing military pay, as Military.com reported.

“The administration is strongly committed to taking care of our service members and their families and appreciates the [House Armed Services Committee’s] concern for the needs of the most junior enlisted members, but strongly opposes making a significant, permanent change to the basic pay schedule before the completion of the Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation,” the White House said in a statement.

Congressional analysts said Monday the pay raise would cost the same as two new aircraft carriers, according to Military Times.

Army photo by Spc. Destiny Husband