$700 billion proposed for U.S. military budget in 2018

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2018 also calls for an increase of more than 20,000 active-duty and reserve troops, as well as a 2.4% hike in troop pay.

It is the largest defense bill in US history, and lawmakers say the funding increase will improve military readiness and low retention rate.

"Over the last several years, we have seen an increase in threats and a decrease in funding for our military," Rep. Mac Thornberry, chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services, said in a statement. "This year's NDAA begins to rebuild our military and to ensure we can defend the American people."

Critics have complained that the Pentagon has abandoned the military in recent years. As a result, they say, the military has suffered from a low retention rate, lack of preparedness, and preventable officer misconduct.