Wilsbach falls short of promising to follow lawmakers' reconciliation bill intent

President Trump's nominee to be the next Air Force chief of staff, recently retired Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, said today he would aim to follow congressional intent when doling out funds from the reconciliation bill but declined to fully commit to those guidelines.

“I will carry out funding in accordance with the law, and I will strive to do my best,” Wilsbach said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today to consider his nomination to be the Air Force’s top officer.

Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) asked Wilsbach if he would carry out congressional intent for the boost in funds, even though most of that money isn’t legally bound by Congress’ suggestions.

In July, the congressional defense committees sent guidance tables to the Pentagon to help inform how DOD will spend the $150 billion it was appropriated as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The 12-page document covers numerous areas, including missile defense, shipbuilding, munitions, unmanned drones, industrial base support and more.

“That’s not an explicit answer, is it?” Wicker said in response to Wilsbach.

“No,” Wilsbach said, “but I definitely will follow the law.”

If confirmed by the Senate, Wilsbach will be reinstated as a general and replace Gen. David Allvin, who plans to retire near the beginning of November.