The House Appropriations Committee has approved the United States defense budget for the fiscal year 2026, setting defense spending at $832 billion, which matches the funding for 2025. At the same time, the budget proposal does not include an allocation of an additional $300 million to support Ukraine, despite corresponding proposals.
This is reported by Finway
Key Spending Areas in the Budget Proposal
In 2026, the US plans to allocate $13 billion for the development of missile defense systems and space programs related to the “Iron Dome” project. The Air Force is set to receive $8.5 billion for the purchase of 69 F-35 fighter jets. A significant portion of the expenditures—$36.9 billion—will be directed towards shipbuilding, including two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that were not included in the Pentagon’s initial plans.
Vote on Aid to Ukraine
The proposal to increase aid to Ukraine by $300 million was brought to consideration but did not gain support among lawmakers. During the vote, the corresponding amendment was rejected. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole emphasized the risks to the defense budget if additional funding for Ukraine were approved before the vote.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole warned before the vote that increasing funding for Ukraine could lead to the failure of the defense budget, as some Republicans would oppose the amendment.
At the same time, the total amount of budget expenditures could rise to $1 trillion through the use of unspent funds earmarked for other purposes.