House Narrowly OKs $125 Million Cut for Military Bands

The House narrowly approved a measure to cut spending on military bands by $125 million. The measure, which passed 226-199, limits spending on bands next year to $200 million, The Washington Post reported.

The vote was the first time that Congress has cut spending on the military’s 154 bands. In pushing for the cuts, which are subject to Senate approval, Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., said, “The Pentagon doesn’t need any more band aid. Is this House really capable of gutting investments in women’s health care but allowing a $5 million increase in funding for military bands?,” the Post reported.

Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, argued in favor of keeping funding at $325 million. The co-chairman of the congressional Army Caucus said the bands help in recruiting and “uphold pride and morale through music at funerals, welcome home celebrations, concerts, ceremonies and other espirit-de-corps events.”