The White House has proposed a significant defense budget totaling $1.5 trillion. This request aims to avoid difficult choices between capacity, capability, and readiness. However, for this budget to materialize, Congress must address persistent federal budget issues and align spending with national defense needs.
Each year, elected officials have the primary duty of ensuring the nation’s defense. Unfortunately, divisive politics led to the longest government shutdown in history last year, a record that is best avoided. Despite challenges, progress is being made. Notably, the 2025 budget reconciliation, enacted last July, allocated $150 billion in mandatory defense spending. Defense leaders contributed to the appropriations process by introducing capability-focused funding with extended spending periods. The 2027 budget request expects another $350 billion in mandatory funding.
Congress has initiated efforts to address budget issues. Proposed legislation would secure pay for federal workers, introduce automatic stopgaps, and set penalties for inaction. The Shutdown Fairness Act ensures paychecks during shutdowns, while the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would implement two-week funding stopgaps if appropriations are delayed. This act also restricts taxpayer-funded travel during these times. Recent Senate legislation suspends senator pay during shutdowns, effective with the next Congress.
These actions are steps in the right direction but fall short of a comprehensive solution. A sustainable and bipartisan approach is vital. Here are three complementary strategies:
- Link Congressional Pay to Performance: Congress should tie its pay to timely appropriations. For each week of delay, a 10 percent pay cut should apply until appropriations are complete.
- Connect Term Limits to Job Performance: Re-election eligibility should depend on budget performance. Missing deadlines in any three years of a six-year term should disqualify members from running.
- Prioritize Appropriations Over Other Business: If annual appropriations are incomplete by the new fiscal year start on October 1, all other Congressional work should be suspended until resolution.
Implementing these incentives would reinforce Congress’s role in fulfilling its fundamental duties, covering all members, and potentially saving billions lost due to continuing resolutions. Beyond these steps, Congress needs to enhance defense budget efficiency. Building on last year’s progress includes updating appropriation and oversight practices as requested by the Pentagon. A revised budget should consolidate line items and reprogramming thresholds, and increase procurement authorities.
Updating reporting requirements, budget exhibits, and appropriations could combine essential flexibility with improved Congressional oversight through digital, real-time systems. Resolving these gaps may allow the military to fulfill its potential, reflecting foundational American values. The stakes involve recovering military competitiveness, ensuring long-term prosperity, and maintaining a global leadership role.
Before the midterm elections, Congress has the opportunity to strengthen the system of government by delivering significant results to taxpayers.
Elaine McCusker is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think tank and previously served as the Pentagon’s acting undersecretary of defense (comptroller).