US President Joseph Biden is proposing a defence and security budget of $886bn, a record for a period of peace, but marked by the effects of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine and concerns about the rise of China.
Image Article Biden proposes record $886bn defence and security budget
According to Reuters, Biden is calling for an $842 billion budget for the Pentagon and another $44 billion for security programmes at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Energy and other federal agencies, bringing the total budget to $886 billion, up from $858 billion last year.
The draft budget includes 5.2% pay raises for defence personnel and unprecedented investments in research and development.
Against the backdrop of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine and the rise of China, Congress has signalled that it will accept additional budget spending in line with the Biden administration’s requests and may even allocate special funds.
“This surge level is a good procedural start,” said Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
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