The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) said late June 22 that he is aiming to add $37 billion to the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2018 defense budget request.
But Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), who is still negotiating a figure with fellow lawmakers, indicated he might settle for a lower number if he can win assurances of more stability in future defense spending. Across-the-board budget cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011 have created uncertainty for defense planners.
“There is value if we can get away from this and have more stability, more predictability for future years’ defense funding,” Thornberry told reporters.
Thornberry wants to devote much of the increase to missile defense, including buying more interceptor missiles and speeding up new capabilities, to address the growing threat from North Korea.
“I am still somewhat astonished that the administration’s request actually cuts missile defense $384 million from what we are spending this year,” he said. Thornberry plans to “put the foot to the gas pedal on missile defense.”
Critical munitions are also slated for increases in an amendment that Thornberry plans to propose to the FY 2018 defense authorization bill. The “chairman’s mark” is scheduled for release June 23, and the full HASC intends to mark up bill June 28.