January 15, 2021
How the Defense Budget Could Actually Increase (Slightly)
Conventional wisdom is that defense spending will be cut or remain flat under the next administration. There is certainly reason to think it might. The president’s Fiscal Year 2021 request indicates a flat budget over the next five years and the Democratic platform advocates a reduction in defense spending. It is a safe bet that President-elect Joe Biden’s budget request will reduce or maintain the defense budget. Once all is said and done, though, it is more likely that defense spending will end up growing rather than shrinking. However, there remain several potential political complications that could prevent the Pentagon from benefitting.
Once all is said and done, it is more likely that defense spending will end up growing rather than shrinking.
Reaching a bipartisan budget deal for FY2022 (along with passing all corresponding appropriations bills) will be a tumultuous and slow process whose conclusion is by no means certain. Should a budget deal be reached, it will likely include an increase, if only slight, to defense spending.
Read the full article from War on the Rocks.
More from CNAS
-
Podcast
Becca Wasser and Stacie Pettyjohn are interviewed about the air war against the Islamic State that was critical to the territorial defeat of the group’s territorial caliphate ...
By Becca Wasser
-
Congressional Testimony
Submitted Written TestimonyI. Introduction Chairman Talent, Chairman Goodwin, distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to participate in today’s h...
By Tom Shugart
-
Commentary
The need to amplify new and diverse voices in national security policymaking has never been clearer....
By Chris Estep, Ainikki Riikonen & Cole Stevens
-
Commentary
Dealing with urgent issues while beginning immediate work on desperately needed long-term structural reforms will be the overarching challenge for this team....
By Chris Dougherty