Sen. Mark Kelly says Trump administration's $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request is "outrageous"
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Senator Mark Kelly criticized the Trump administration's $1.5 trillion defense budget request for fiscal year 2027 as "outrageous" and disproportionate, highlighting a 42% increase from 2026 levels.
- Kelly noted the defense budget has nearly doubled since he entered the Senate, now approaching the total defense spending of the rest of the world combined.
- He expressed skepticism about funding for the space-based "Golden Dome" missile defense system, citing technical challenges and concerns it may not be effective.
- Kelly raised alarms over depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles due to ongoing conflict with Iran, attributing the situation to a lack of strategic planning by the current administration.
- The White House is also expected to request supplemental funding to cover war costs with Iran, with estimates ranging from $25 billion to $50 billion.
