The House Committee On Armed Services recently heard testimony from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Fiscal Year 2024 budget request. The proposed $842 billion budget, a 3.2% increase over FY2023, focuses on strategic competition with China, strengthening alliances, and investing in critical technologies.
Strategic Competition with China Drives Defense Spending
Secretary Austin emphasized that the budget is driven by the strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), identifying it as the “pacing challenge.” The budget seeks to deter aggression through investments in a more resilient force posture in the Indo-Pacific, increased exercises with partners, and a substantial increase in funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. This initiative receives a record $9.1 billion, a 40% increase from the previous year’s request, to bolster force posture, enhance defenses in Guam and Hawaii, and deepen cooperation with allies.
Investing in Research, Development, and Modernization
The FY2024 budget prioritizes investments in research and development (R&D) and procurement. Over $61 billion is allocated to maintain air dominance, including funding for advanced fighter aircraft and the B-21 strategic bomber. The budget also requests over $48 billion for sea power, encompassing the construction of nine new battle force ships and investments in shipyard capacity. Furthermore, the budget supports the modernization of the nuclear triad, strengthens space capabilities with a record $33.3 billion allocation, and invests in long-range fire capabilities, including hypersonic weapons.
The submarine industrial base will receive a $1.2 billion investment, enabling the purchase of two Virginia-class attack submarines and one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. Investments in land forces focus on air and missile defense, as well as countering unmanned aerial vehicles. The budget also requests continued multi-year procurement authorities and over $30 billion for munitions procurement and industrial base investments. This focus on modernization aims to shift away from aging capabilities and prioritize technologies crucial for future conflicts.
Addressing Global Threats and Supporting Allies
While focusing on China, the budget also acknowledges Russia as an “acute threat” and reaffirms the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine. The DoD will continue to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and provide assistance to Ukraine. The budget also addresses persistent threats from North Korea and Iran, including investments in over-the-horizon counterterrorism capabilities. Recent airstrikes against facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps underscore this commitment.
Investing in Personnel and Readiness
The budget emphasizes taking care of military personnel and their families. It includes funding for the largest military and civilian pay raises in decades, alongside initiatives to improve quality of life, such as making moves easier, reducing commissary prices, and expanding access to affordable childcare. The DoD is also prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention, hiring more mental health professionals and improving access to care. Efforts to combat sexual assault continue, with full implementation of reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice expected by the end of the year. $146 billion is allocated to operations, training, and maintenance to ensure readiness.
Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships
The budget underscores the importance of allies and partners, highlighting recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines has agreed to expand cooperation, Japan has committed to doubling its defense spending, and the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom aims to develop advanced defense capabilities and enhance industrial capacity. These partnerships are crucial for magnifying U.S. power and expanding global security. Secretary Austin concluded by urging Congress to pass a timely and full-year appropriation to support the Department of Defense and its personnel.
