The House Armed Services Committee is planning for a 4.6% pay raise for service members as it drafts its version of the defense authorization bill. That figure, which matches President Biden’s request, would be the highest military pay raise in 20 years, but it is also below the current and projected level of inflation.

The 4.6% increase would mean service members get a raise of about $1,300 to more than $4,500 per year, as Military Times noted.

The draft legislation, which will be considered by a subcommittee today, also calls for studies into military pay and benefits to see if they are adequate for quality of life, recruitment and retention.

The House Armed Services subcommittees mark up their portions of the defense authorization bill today and tomorrow.

Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Thompson