Congress Set to Approve $833 Billion Defense Budget as Temporary Funding Continues

Congress prepares to approve an $833 billion defense budget amidst ongoing temporary funding measures, raising questions about military readiness and fiscal responsibility.

At a Glance

House Armed Services Committee anticipates $833 billion defense budget for FY25
Continuing Resolution expected to extend government funding temporarily
Budget focuses on modernization, pay raises, and countering global threats
Concerns raised about delayed funding and potential government shutdown

Congress Grapples with Defense Budget Amid Continuing Resolution

As the fiscal year draws to a close, Congress is poised to approve a hefty $833 billion defense budget for FY25. However, the path to this approval is not straightforward. With the current fiscal year ending on September 30, lawmakers are scrambling to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded temporarily.

House Armed Services Committee Vice Chairman Rob Wittman has shed light on the situation, stating that a short-term budget extension is imminent. “I think we know we’re not going to get the seven remaining appropriations bills done between now and the end of the fiscal year,” Wittman explained. “In light of that, it looks like there’s going to be another continuing resolution that will come up next week, probably the middle of next week. The debate has been how long should that last.”

Rep. Rob Wittman said he expects a short-term budget deal for federal spending to be finalized before the end of the month. https://t.co/jLwKouYgzS

— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) September 4, 2024

Defense Priorities and Budget Breakdown

The proposed $833 billion defense budget represents a $8.57 billion increase from FY24 levels. It aims to bolster America’s military capabilities and readiness in the face of global challenges, particularly those posed by China. Key allocations include investments in modern military equipment, such as 5th and 6th generation aircraft, including the F-35, and missile defense systems.

“This FY25 Defense bill ensures our defenders are equipped, trained, and prepared to protect the United States,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Ok., said in a statement Friday. “It leads with strength against our adversaries, investing in capabilities to confront and defeat threats—if and when they arise.”

The budget also includes a 4.5 percent pay raise for all military personnel, addressing the need to support service members and their families. Additionally, over $1.3 billion is allocated for the Defense Innovation Unit and other defense-wide innovation efforts, underscoring the importance of maintaining technological superiority.

Balancing National Needs and Fiscal Responsibility

While the defense budget increase aims to strengthen national security, it also raises questions about fiscal responsibility and the balance between defense spending and other national priorities. The bill realigns $18 billion from President Biden’s original budget proposal, cutting funds for Pentagon civilian jobs, climate change initiatives, and diversity training.

However, this approach has faced criticism from some lawmakers. Rep. Betty McCollum, the top Democrat on the defense subcommittee, expressed concern, stating, “Once again, the Republican majority has written a Defense Appropriations bill that prioritizes extremist social policy views over the well-being of our service members and the security of our nation.”

Potential Consequences of Delayed Funding

The reliance on Continuing Resolutions and the delay in finalizing the defense budget could have significant consequences for military readiness and ongoing defense programs. Wittman criticized short-term budget extensions as “the worst way for us to be able to manage the defense enterprise,” citing the uncertainty surrounding when new programs and initiatives will be fully funded and can start.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth highlighted the need for additional funds for installation services, stating, “Not only are our barracks and housing in need of investment, our power projection infrastructure is in need of investment as well. It’s really hard to do that all inside the existing Army top line.”

As Congress reconvenes to tackle these pressing issues, the nation watches closely. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching implications for America’s defense capabilities, fiscal health, and global standing. While the path forward may be challenging, the ultimate goal remains clear: ensuring a strong, ready, and fiscally responsible military to safeguard the nation’s security interests.