The Need for Congressional Action on Defense Budget

The White House has proposed a defense budget of $1.5 trillion, aiming to eliminate the need to choose among capacity, capability, and readiness. However, to implement this budget, Congress must address ongoing federal budget issues. Ensuring the defense of the nation is an annual responsibility for elected leaders, yet this has been hindered by significant divisions, culminating in the longest government shutdown in history.

Efforts to improve have been observed. The 2025 budget reconciliation included $150 billion in mandatory defense spending, setting a precedent for future budgets. The 2027 request includes a proposed $350 billion mandatory budget increase, expecting a repeat of productive efforts by defense authorizers.

Congress has made attempts to align funds and governance with defense needs. Proposed legislation ensures federal workers are paid during shutdowns, introduces automatic funding stopgaps, and enforces penalties for inaction. The Shutdown Fairness Act and the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act both aim to address these issues by ensuring pay during shutdowns and automatic funding during delays.

Though these steps are positive, they fall short of ensuring timely appropriations. A holistic approach is necessary. A proposal involves three primary measures:

• Link Congressional Pay to Timely Appropriations: Implement a pay cut for Congress for each week of delay past the fiscal year start.
• Associate Term Limits with Performance: Disallow members from running for reelection if they miss budget deadlines three times in six years.
• Pause Other Priorities: Halt all congressional activities other than travel until appropriations are finalized post-October 1.

These measures would emphasize the criticality of timely budgeting. They would also ensure each Congress member contributes and prevent the loss of billions due to delays.

For efficient use of defense funds, Congress must build on existing efforts. Additional steps include passing a budget reconciliation with defense funding, supporting incremental budget reform, updating reprogramming thresholds, consolidating line items, and enabling multi-year procurement authorities.

An overhaul of the appropriations and oversight structure is vital. This encompasses revising reporting requirements, consolidating budget exhibits, and enhancing congressional oversight through a modern and digital contracting system.

By addressing longstanding budget shortfalls, the military could better meet the expectations set forth in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. National security fosters prosperity and global power, and these reforms are imperative for maintaining America’s military competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

Elaine McCusker is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She previously served as the Pentagon’s acting undersecretary of defense (comptroller).