Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George told the House Armed Services Committee on June 4 the service met its fiscal year 2025 recruiting mission months early, but members focused on quality‑of‑life funding and recent reprogramming decisions.

What the Army reported: “Yesterday, the United States Army met its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goal 4 months early, welcoming more than 61,000 new recruits,” Driscoll told the committee, which also heard that retention goals were met early in the year.

Why members pressed on housing: Several members — including Rep. Garamendi, Rep. Stefanik and others — said they were alarmed by news that roughly $1 billion allocated for barracks and dormitory upgrades had been reprogrammed toward operations at the southern border. Lawmakers argued that recent GAO findings and committee work show persistent deficiencies in dorms and barracks that require multi‑year investment. “We built a 10‑year hole in our dorms and barracks,” Rep. Garamendi said, pressing the witnesses for clarity on how barracks will be funded going forward.

The Army’s response: Driscoll said installations remain a priority and asked lawmakers to help reduce cost drivers for on‑post construction; he said some costs measured inside the gate are “68% higher than what you would get outside the gate” and pledged to brief members on specific plans. On reprogramming, witnesses committed to follow up with detailed answers to members’ offices.

BAH and reconciliation funds: Members asked about a reconciliation proposal to add about $3 billion for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Driscoll said the money is labeled for housing and would be applied to housing needs; he offered to provide the committee with a plan for deployment once statutory direction is finalized.

The Army birthday parade: Several members questioned whether a planned Army 250th birthday event, widely reported at an estimated $45 million, was an appropriate use of funds while facilities need repair. “We think it's an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to expand our recruiting pool,” Driscoll said, adding the service expects measurable recruiting benefits. Members said recruitment gains so far weaken the recruitment argument for the parade and urged consideration of alternative uses for the funds.

Recruiting drivers: Both Driscoll and George credited multiple factors for improved recruiting, including targeted outreach, new recruiting tools and programs such as the future soldier preparatory course and expanded recruiter numbers. George said the Army has reduced administrative burdens for recruits and invested in technology to help recruiters; Driscoll described the service’s approach as a multi‑year effort that predates the current administration.

Ending: Committee members signaled bipartisan support for recruitment gains but demanded detailed, written explanations for the reprogramming of barracks funds and the projected return on investment for the parade and BAH changes before approving further reallocation of resources.