Defense Spending
Starting the second quarter of the 2018 fiscal year Congress has not passed a budget for the year. Congress has passed several continuing resolutions to continue debating about this topic. Cuts to other government programs, Trump’s Wall, and other legislation is what is holding Congress back. The next continuing resolution will expire January 19, Congress will have to act by then or continue kicking the can down the road.
The Trump Administration has proposed a 2018 budget of $603 billion which represents an increase of 3 percent, not 10 percent, over the previous administration’s plans” (Spoehr). Congress overstepping the Trump administration approved a measure that would authorize just under $700 billion for the 2018 fiscal
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“It devotes more dollars to defense than the next 12 largest military spenders combined” (Talmadge). The con side believes that the Trump Administration “should account for how the Pentagon has used the trillions of dollars it has spent since 9/11” (Wirls). The pro side of the defense spending issue believes that increased funding in the military will start a rebuilding process and provide the armed forces with a plethora of resources. This side does address that wasteful spending exist inside the Department of Defense, but argues that slashing the budget is not the proper method to solve the issue (Salmon). This side agrees that the United States would not be ready for a major conflict …show more content…
One part is “slashing components of the federal budget that contribute significantly to national security, including the State Department” (Talmadge). An additional $2 trillion stated by the Trump Administration will be generated due to their tax overhaul and other programs which will spur economic growth and help pay for the defense increase (“The Key Spending Cuts and Increases in Trump’s Budget.”). Aid to the poor will take a hit with cuts to Medicaid and the repeal of Obamacare (“The Key Spending Cuts and Increases in Trump’s Budget.”). Student loans awarded through the FASFA will also take a reduction specifically for low income families. (“The Key Spending Cuts and Increases in Trump’s