The Senate Appropriations Committee has greenlit an $852.5 billion defense spending bill for fiscal year 2026, exceeding the Pentagon’s request by $21.7 billion. The move sets the stage for a contentious battle with the House, which adhered to the Pentagon’s flat $831.5 billion budget proposal.
Senate Boosts Munitions, Shipbuilding, Corrects Budget Errors
The additional funds are intended to bolster munitions, shipbuilding accounts, and rectify billions of dollars in accounting errors within the Department of Defense’s budget, according to lawmakers and congressional aides.
Bipartisan Support Despite Process Concerns
The bill passed with a 26-3 vote, demonstrating bipartisan support. However, Sen. Chris Coons, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee, described the overall budget process and engagement with the administration as „chaotic at best.” He noted that detailed spending information and justifications were often delayed or missing.
Pentagon’s Request Deemed a „Cut,” Riddled with „Mistakes”
Coons criticized the president’s budget request as „essentially a cut” and highlighted „big mistakes” that required billions of dollars to correct. Senior aides revealed that the Pentagon requested an additional $10 billion in „misaligned funds” in mid-July, covering expenses such as advance procurement for Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines.
Munitions Shortfalls Triggered by Operations in Yemen, Iran
The Pentagon also expressed concerns about munitions shortfalls resulting from sustained operations against the Houthis in Yemen and Operation Midnight Hammer targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
Shipbuilding, Munitions See Significant Funding Increases
Shipbuilding emerged as the biggest beneficiary, receiving an increase of almost $8.7 billion. Munitions accounts were boosted by $7.3 billion, aimed at benefiting US European and US Indo-Pacific Command.
Senate Reinstates Funding for F/A-XX, Wedgetail Programs
The Senate bill diverges from the Pentagon’s plan to halt several key development programs. It reinstates funding for the Navy’s sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter, adding $1.4 billion, and reverses the cancellation of the Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail program by adding $647 million.
Ukraine Funding Gets a Boost
Senate appropriators were more supportive of Ukraine funding than other defense committees, including over $1 billion for Kyiv and US investments in Europe.
Committee Rejects Amendments on Immigration, Qatari Plane
During the bill’s markup, the committee rejected amendments related to immigration activities and the transfer of the Qatari-gifted Air Force One plane.
Lawmakers Urge Return to Regular Appropriations Process
Senate lawmakers emphasized the importance of restoring the regular appropriations process instead of relying on continuing resolutions (CRs). They criticized the Office of Management and Budget for undermining Congress.
Clock Ticking to Reconcile House, Senate Bills
Congress faces a tight deadline to reconcile the House and Senate defense bills before government spending expires on September 30.
