As Congress works to finalize the budget for fiscal 2025, there are calls for a significant increase in Pentagon spending under the guise of a “generational investment” to address national security challenges.

In reality, the U.S. military is far from underfunded, with a budget of $850 billion last fiscal year, representing a substantial increase of nearly 50 percent since the 21st Century began. Despite this, proposals continue to emerge for even higher spending, such as Senator Roger Wicker’s plan to increase military spending to 5 percent of GDP, adding an additional $500 billion to the current budget.

While various lawmakers suggest different amounts of additional spending, none of these plans address the need to eliminate wasteful spending within the Pentagon budget. Failing to consider cuts overlooks the potential for savings that could be redirected toward actual national security priorities. For instance, investing in outdated platforms like aircraft carriers or the F-35 at the expense of more effective systems is counterproductive.

Furthermore, the proposed spending hikes fail to take into account the nation’s $36 trillion debt, which poses a significant risk to the long-term availability of funds across all sectors, including national security. Approving massive Pentagon spending increases would not only be financially irresponsible but also harmful to military personnel who would be stuck with outdated equipment and systems.

In conclusion, advocating for a reduction in the Pentagon budget is crucial for strategic prioritization and long-term national security. We must focus on allocating resources efficiently and effectively rather than engaging in an unsustainable spending spree.