Us Congress House Bill HB5753

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/27/23
• Refer: 9/27/23

Caption

To reactivate and repurpose canceling funds to deter the Chinese Communist Party before such funds are extracted from the Department of Defense on October 1, 2023.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly change how military funding is allocated, shifting focus towards strengthening defenses in the Indo-Pacific area. By allowing the reallocation of previously appropriated but unspent funds, the bill enables quicker and more flexible responses to emerging military challenges. The establishment of the FIRES Fund would allow for enhanced stockpiling and readiness but may also lead to adjustments in current appropriations concerning military projects and operations.

Summary

House Bill 5753 aims to reactivate and repurpose certain cancelled funds to enhance military readiness and stockpiles against the potential threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The bill establishes a designated fund called the ‘Funding Indo-Pacific Readiness and Enhancing Stockpiles Fund’ (FIRES Fund), which will be controlled by the Secretary of Defense. The funds are intended to support various military activities, including procurement, research, and production of munitions as well as the development of necessary facilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the implications of such reallocations from appropriated funds, especially among lawmakers who prioritize domestic needs over military spending. Some might argue that repurposing these funds could compromise other areas of the defense budget or diminish the ability to address local issues. The bill's focus on counteracting perceived threats from the Chinese Communist Party may also provoke debate about the extent of military spending in international relations versus domestic priorities.