The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Officials worry that planned Defense Department civilian workforce cuts could hurt base services and military family support.
Lawmakers expressed concerns that extra money for young troops could make some families ineligible for federal nutrition programs.
A bill introduced in the House this week proposes to end federal taxes on bonuses given to troops for joining or re-enlisting in the military.
