House Republicans lobby Biden for defense spending boost

By Tony Bertuca / March 4, 2021 at 3:29 PM

Eight Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee are asking President Biden to increase defense spending between 3% and 5% above the rate of inflation.

The lawmakers, led by committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-AL), have sent a letter to Biden seeking the funding increase on the grounds it will "enable the military to stay ahead of evolving threats from our adversaries," specifically China.

Rogers was joined by all of the panel's subcommittee ranking members: Rob Wittman (R-VA), Mike Turner (R-OH), Jim Banks (R-IN), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Trent Kelly (R-MS).

The lawmakers said it is "imperative" to spend more on cyber capabilities, nuclear modernization, naval expansion and "the latest innovations and enhancements into warfighting capabilities, including air and sealift, space, missile defense, munitions, and electronic warfare."

The Trump administration, however, projected a flat defense budget before leaving office and many analysts say the Biden team will likely submit a request to Congress for a flat or reduced Pentagon topline in late April or early May.

The total U.S. defense budget in fiscal year 2021 is $740.5 billion. The Trump administration projected it would request $759 billion for FY-22, about 2.5% more than FY-21 and in line with the rate of inflation.

The Republican push for defense spending increases is likely to run into opposition from Democrats like committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA), who several times has publicly said he does not think the Pentagon budget should be boosted.

Biden officials have also declined to call for an increase in defense spending. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing, "DOD must be fiscally pragmatic and be prepared for modest growth in the coming years," given the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some Progressive Caucus Democrats, however, are pushing for significant defense cuts.

But Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee Chairman John Tester (D-MT) has said he is against broad defense reductions.

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