Biden Administration Requests $895 Billion Defense Budget Amid Criticism and Constraints

The proposed budget faces opposition due to its minimal increase over last year, raising concerns over military readiness and global positioning.

The Biden administration's defense budget proposal for fiscal 2025 totals $895 billion, marking only a 1% increase from the previous year.
Critics argue the budget's constraints, agreed upon by President Biden and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, hinder the Pentagon's ability to replenish weapon stocks and maintain military readiness.
Republican leaders express dissatisfaction, citing the budget's failure to keep pace with inflation and the growing military expenditures of adversaries like China.
The budget includes a 4.5% pay raise for service members and allocates funds for bolstering U.S. and allied security in the Indo-Pacific, as well as maintaining troop readiness.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks urges Congress to pass the proposal, emphasizing the global scrutiny of U.S. national security efforts.