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Pentagon Budget

All articles tagged with #pentagon budget

Kelly slams $1.5T Pentagon budget as outrageous and risky
politics24 days ago

Kelly slams $1.5T Pentagon budget as outrageous and risky

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona criticized the Trump administration’s FY2027 defense budget request of about $1.5 trillion as “outrageous,” noting it would be a 42% increase from 2026 and is nearly the size of defense spending for much of the world. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he questions costly items like a space-based “Golden Dome” missile system and warns of depleted munitions stocks amid the Iran war, arguing the administration lacks a clear strategy. The White House may seek a supplemental Iran-war package, with cost estimates ranging from about $25 billion to possibly $50 billion, further complicating spending decisions and national security assumptions.

Immigration funding push could strand Pentagon money amid Iran-war debate
politics1 month ago

Immigration funding push could strand Pentagon money amid Iran-war debate

Senate Republicans are pursuing a fast-track immigration-enforcement funding bill that could strand or reallocate Pentagon funds, with talk of attaching Iran-war spending and other defense money to a larger reconciliation package. GOP leaders say they’ll try to pass defense spending if Democrats join, but Rand Paul is undecided and some conservatives warn about debt. Lindsey Graham hints at a broader third reconciliation or bipartisan back-up plan, while House support remains uncertain as the year progresses.

Pentagon Seeks $200B More to Fund Iran War Amid Record Defense Budget
world2 months ago

Pentagon Seeks $200B More to Fund Iran War Amid Record Defense Budget

The Pentagon has asked for an additional $200 billion in supplemental funding to sustain the war on Iran, a figure four times higher than earlier estimates and part of a record defense-budget push for 2027. The request has been sent to the White House for review before Congress, with officials signaling it could rise further. Analysts warn that while immediate costs are enormous, the long-term bill—covering veterans’ benefits and interest—could reach trillions, and critics question whether Congress authorized such a costly, potentially protracted conflict.

politics1 year ago

Bernie Sanders Backs Elon Musk on Pentagon Budget Cuts and DOGE Proposal

Senator Bernie Sanders and Elon Musk find common ground in advocating for cuts to the Pentagon's $886 billion budget, which recently failed its seventh audit. Sanders, typically critical of billionaires like Musk, agrees with Musk's stance on reducing defense spending waste and fraud. Musk, appointed by Donald Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, has also garnered support from other lawmakers like Democratic Rep. Mo Khanna. Additionally, Sanders and Musk share views on reducing the cost of diabetes and weight loss drugs, despite their usual disagreements.

politics1 year ago

Debate Intensifies Over Delays in Trump-Related Legal Proceedings

Senator Roger Wicker, poised to chair the Armed Services Committee, plans to push for a significant increase in military spending, including expanding the Navy and Air Force, under a potential Trump administration. Wicker's proposal includes a $55 billion increase over President Biden's defense budget, aiming for military spending to reach 5% of GDP. He also advocates for continued support for Ukraine, despite potential differences with Trump, who has opposed increased U.S. spending on the conflict. Wicker's strategy may influence the GOP's defense budget under Trump.

politics1 year ago

Race Heats Up for Stefanik's GOP Leadership Role

Senator Roger Wicker is set to chair the Armed Services Committee, advocating for a significant increase in the Pentagon budget with a focus on expanding the Navy and Air Force, modernizing the nuclear arsenal, and supporting Ukraine. His plan includes a $55 billion increase over President Biden's defense budget, aiming for military spending to reach 5% of GDP. Wicker's approach may align with a potential Trump administration, though he will need to navigate internal GOP differences on defense spending and aid to Ukraine.

US Congress Approves Historic Defense Budget, Rejects Far-Right Influence
politics2 years ago

US Congress Approves Historic Defense Budget, Rejects Far-Right Influence

In a bipartisan vote, the US Congress has authorized a record Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2024, totaling $883.7 billion, an increase of $145 billion since 2020. The budget includes increased military spending aimed at countering threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist organizations. The bill also extends military aid to Ukraine and authorizes the transfer of weapons systems to Israel. The increase in war spending comes at a time of rising hunger and homelessness, job cuts, and cuts to social benefits, highlighting the prioritization of military interests over the needs of the working class.