WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is defending President Barack Obama's proposed cuts to the military as the Pentagon faces deficit-driven smaller budgets.
Hagel told the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday that while the system to close domestic bases is imperfect, it's a comprehensive and fair approach that will result in significant savings in the long term.
The Pentagon wants another base-closing round in 2015. Lawmakers have repeatedly rejected the Defense Department's plea.
Hagel also called for an increase in fees for military health care and a smaller pay raise of 1 percent for personnel.
He said the department is undergoing a far-reaching review to be completed by May 1 and indicated that further cuts are possible.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
