American Enterprise Institute

The president recently announced his desire for a $1.5 trillion defense budget in fiscal year 2027, which would represent a substantial increase of $600 billion over current figures. Congress should work with the White House to develop and pass another budget reconciliation bill with defense spending in 2026.

The National Commission on the Future of the Navy was created by Congress to help the US Navy compete, deter, and win with modern tools and concepts against sophisticated adversaries. The commission will hold public hearings in 2026 and submit its recommendations in early 2027.

In his first message to airmen, new Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach stated that the Air Force should focus on restoring and expanding US airpower.