The House Appropriations Committee of the US Congress has approved the defense budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, maintaining the defense spending level from the previous year. The planned defense expenditures for the United States in 2026 will amount to $832 billion, with a possible increase to $1 trillion from unused funds allocated for other purposes.
This is reported by Бізнес • Медіа
Key Budget Items and Spending Priorities
The approved budget includes $13 billion for the development of missile defense and space programs related to the “Iron Dome” defense system. Additionally, $8.5 billion is allocated for the procurement of 69 F-35 fighter jets, while $36.9 billion is designated for shipbuilding, including the construction of two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that were not previously included in the Pentagon’s plans.
Decision on Aid to Ukraine
An amendment proposing an increase in aid to Ukraine by $300 million did not gain support among lawmakers and was rejected during the vote. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole warned that additional funding for Kyiv could jeopardize the passage of the entire defense budget.
“Increasing funding for Ukraine could lead to the failure of the defense budget, as some Republicans will oppose the amendment.”