Congress recently approved an $839 billion defense appropriations bill that significantly exceeded the Pentagon’s request, raising serious questions about who determines spending priorities in Washington. While the legislation provides a modest pay raise for warfighters, it notably restored billions in funding for major weapons programs that the military itself had tried to cancel.
Story Snapshot
- The House approved the $839 billion defense appropriations bill on January 22, 2026, exceeding the Pentagon’s request by $8 billion
- Congress overrode military leadership by restoring funding for canceled programs, including E-7 Wedgetail aircraft and advanced fighter jets
- Bill includes 3.8% military pay raise but leaves a critical $28.8 billion munitions shortfall unfunded
- Lawmakers inserted $400 million for Ukraine despite the Trump administration’s request for zero foreign aid
- Senate must pass measure by January 30 to avert government shutdown
Congress Overrules Pentagon on Weapons Spending
The House of Representatives passed an $839 billion defense spending bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, voting 341-88 to send the measure to the Senate. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole championed the legislation as ensuring warfighters have necessary tools, yet the bill reveals a troubling pattern: Congress added $8 billion beyond what military leaders requested while ignoring the Pentagon’s actual priorities. The legislation funds fiscal year 2026 operations through September 30, bundled with domestic spending measures to prevent a looming government shutdown when the continuing resolution expires January 30.
Billions for Contractors, Shortfalls for Combat Readiness
Congressional appropriators funded programs the Pentagon attempted to cancel or reduce, directing $972 million toward the Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter despite the military requesting only $74 million. The Air Force received $3 billion for the F-47 fighter program, exceeding the $2.6 billion request. Congress also restored $1.1 billion for Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail early warning aircraft after the administration sought to terminate the program entirely. These additions benefit major defense contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, yet Pentagon officials flagged $26.5 billion in budget discrepancies and requested $28.8 billion for critical munitions stockpiles—needs this bill fails to address. This represents a fundamental breakdown in fiscal accountability and national defense prioritization.
Foreign Aid Inserted Against Administration Policy
Despite the Trump administration requesting zero funding for Ukraine military assistance, appropriators inserted $400 million for continued weapons transfers to Kyiv, along with $200 million for Baltic nations. This direct contradiction of executive branch priorities demonstrates Congress asserting spending authority over presidential discretion, continuing policies many conservatives view as misplaced priorities when America’s own military readiness suffers from underfunded ammunition reserves and aging infrastructure. Representative Ken Calvert defended the bill’s “America first” focus on weapons modernization and industrial base strengthening, yet the Ukraine provision undermines that framing. The measure also provides $27.2 billion for 17 naval vessels and increases funding for Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarine programs by $5.9 billion.
Pay Raises and Research Funding Provide Limited Relief
The legislation delivers a 3.8 percent military pay raise effective January 2026 and a 1 percent increase for civilian defense employees, offering modest relief amid inflation concerns stemming from years of fiscal mismanagement under the previous administration. Congress allocated over $600 million for military medical research targeting cancer and service-related injuries, representing genuine investment in troop welfare. The bill funds 47 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, down from 75 procured in fiscal year 2025, and adds two EA-37B electronic warfare aircraft beyond the Pentagon’s request. These targeted improvements for service members stand in stark contrast to the broader spending patterns favoring defense contractors over operational necessities.
Senate Action Required Before Shutdown Deadline
The Senate faces pressure to approve the measure before the January 30 deadline, though some Republican aides already criticized the $8 billion increase as insufficient for missile defense, infrastructure repairs, and shipbuilding needs. President Trump has signaled plans for a $1.5 trillion defense request in fiscal year 2027, suggesting future budget battles will intensify. The House Rules Committee blocked all proposed amendments, including efforts to limit Venezuela operations and rename the Department of Defense back to the Department of War, preventing meaningful debate on spending priorities. This $839 billion appropriations bill remains distinct from the larger $890.6 billion National Defense Authorization Act passed in December 2025, which sets policy rather than allocating actual funds.
Watch the report: House passes final 2026 govṁernment funding bills, Speaker Johnson reacts
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Compromise Defense Spending Plan Includes 3.8% Pay Raise
House passes $839B defense spending bill, teeing up Senate action