On December 8, 2025, Republican congressional leaders introduced a military policy bill that proposes approximately $901 billion in military spending for the upcoming fiscal year. This proposal marks an increase of $8 billion over the budget request submitted by President Donald Trump and reflects a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has been a vocal supporter of the NDAA, asserting its necessity for maintaining the United States military's position as a leading global force. The legislation aims to enhance the efficiency of the Department of Defense through improved procurement methods and by strengthening the network of public and private entities that supply military materials and services.

However, this proposed increase in military funding comes in stark contrast to recent cuts to social programs, including significant reductions to Medicaid and federal nutrition assistance, which have been characterized as the largest cuts in these areas to date. Critics, including a coalition of watchdog and anti-war organizations, have expressed concern that the additional military funding could facilitate controversial military actions both domestically and internationally, particularly under the Trump administration.

The Government Accountability Office has previously highlighted issues of inefficiency and lack of accountability within the Pentagon, noting that it has never successfully passed an independent audit. This raises questions about the appropriateness of increasing military expenditures while essential social programs face cuts.

If the NDAA is enacted, total military spending authorized by Congress for the year would surpass $1 trillion, including $150 billion allocated in the Trump-GOP budget law passed earlier in the summer. The juxtaposition of increased military funding against the backdrop of social program cuts has prompted calls for Congress to reconsider any funding above the initially requested $892.6 billion, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to federal spending that prioritizes both national defense and social welfare.