The White House has asked Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion defence budget for the US fiscal year 2027. This is one of the largest proposed increases in US military spending ever and comes while the country is involved in war with Iran and handling other global security issues.
If approved, the new budget would be more than 40% higher than last year’s defence spending. The administration says the increase is needed to support ongoing military operations, rebuild weapons stockpiles, and strengthen the country’s armed forces.
The proposed plan includes expanding the navy, producing more ammunition, and improving missile defence systems. Some of the spending would be included as “supplemental” funds that can be passed through separate congressional procedures.
To balance part of the increased defence costs, the White House plans to cut about $73 billion from non-defence programs, around 10% of domestic spending. These cuts would affect areas like education, climate initiatives, housing, and other federal services. Officials say these reductions are necessary to prioritize wartime needs.
The plan still needs Congress’s approval. Lawmakers are expected to debate the budget, make changes, and decide the final amount. Republicans generally support higher defence spending but may argue over how much, while Democrats have raised concerns about cuts to domestic programs.
Experts also warn that such a large defence budget could increase the federal debt, which is already over $39 trillion. Supporters argue, however, that the increase is important to ensure US national security and support allies during a time of global instability.
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