Officers say budget caps are crippling armed forces

WASHINGTON — Pleading for a repeal of a law that strictly limits defense spending, a panel of four-star military officers warned lawmakers Tuesday that the fiscal constraints are crippling the military’s ability to respond to threats around the world.

Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee, the officers delivered a message that appears to grow grimmer each time it’s delivered.

It echoed President Donald Trump who promised to reinvest in a “depleted” military although annual defense spending is more than $600 billion.

Each of the military services has delivered to Congress plans for increasing the 2017 defense budget by more than $30 billion to acquire new jet fighters, armored vehicles, improved training and more.