GOP backers of defense budget hike got millions in donations
By RICHARD LARDNER
Associated Press
AP Photo
AP Photo/Molly Riley
WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans urging a steep increase in the Pentagon's budget have received $10 million in campaign contributions over the course of their congressional careers from defense contractors that would benefit from higher levels of military spending.
The 34 GOP lawmakers, all members of the House Armed Services Committee, are pressing for an $18 billion increase in the 2017 budget year, which begins Oct. 1. The push is rooted in their position that the U.S. military has atrophied severely on President Barack Obama's watch, leading America's allies as well as adversaries to question the country's will.
EDITORIAL COMMENT:- What the heck that only works out to an average of $263,157.89 each. That's less than what the companies spend on pizza in a year.