Army Receiving Extra Funds in Stimulus Bill

Army Receiving Extra Funds in Stimulus Bill

Photo by: Architect of the Capitol

A $2 trillion pandemic-related economic stimulus package set to pass Congress on March 27 includes extra Army funding to respond to the national health emergency.

It includes extended unemployment insurance for American workers, loans and bailouts for businesses, and funds for expanded health care resources. The Senate has passed the bill. A House vote is coming March 27.

Included in the measure is $3.8 billion for defense health care and $1.1 billion for Tricare costs related to the treatment of the coronavirus strain that is having wide global impact.

Additionally, the bill includes $746.5 million for Army National Guard personnel costs resulting from mobilization. The Army also receives boosts in operation and maintenance expenses—the Regular Army receives $160.3 million, the Army Guard receives $186.7 million and the Army Reserve receives $48 million.

There is $50 million in operations and maintenance funds for the Army Corps of Engineers and $20 million for additional expenses.