All articles tagged with #pentagon budget
The US plans to cut funding for military aid programs in European countries bordering Russia, shifting more responsibility to European nations and focusing on the Indo-Pacific, amid broader efforts to reevaluate US foreign aid and military priorities.
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.
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.
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.
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.