Reed Opposes Trump’s Unjustified Defense Budget Increase

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the Trump Administration proposed raising the fiscal year 2027 defense budget by 50 percent, to $1.5 trillion, a figure that includes some $350 billion that Trump wants Republicans to pass on a party-line vote outside the annual defense authorization and appropriation process, which means less oversight and fewer strings attached.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the president's budget request. Reed vowed to challenge the Administration to justify every penny and urged his Congressional colleagues to work on a bipartisan basis to develop a more responsible defense budget that better prioritizes national security and America's domestic interests.

Senator Reed stated:

"This is not a serious budget. From what little information we have, this flawed, irresponsible proposal is unjustified and fails to acknowledge the negative impacts of Trump's Iran war and faltering economy. This proposed spending spree doesn't take into account the fact that this Administration is also likely to request a major emergency war supplemental.

"I will not rubber-stamp a bloated, undisciplined budget. I will work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to carefully scrutinize every penny. Our forces and their families deserve a defense budget and strategy that is worthy of their sacrifice and meets the complex and evolving challenges of the 21st-century.

"The U.S. Department of Defense doesn't lack funding, but it currently lacks responsible civilian leadership and management.

"We must wisely invest in technology and efficiency. We must learn the right lessons from Ukraine and Iran. The military has to adapt to changing threats and invest in smart, cost-effective, advanced technologies that strengthen our defensive capabilities and contribute to America's economic and technological edge. We must also continue investing in our people and build up our defense manufacturing base to meet America's needs now and in the future.

"Ensuring the right capabilities, tools, and readiness for our Armed Forces requires a thoughtful, realistic, forward-looking approach. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration's bloated defense budget fails to achieve those objectives and will require a heavier lift by responsible members of Congress."

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