
Chris Coons
22:48 - 23:17
"The Department of the Air Force is requesting nearly $100 billion in the defense discretionary budget, from $257 enacted to $351 billion that we're evaluating here today."
“The Department of the Air Force is requesting nearly $100 billion in the defense discretionary budget, from $257 enacted to $351 billion that we're evaluating here today.”
This subcommittee will work to do the right thing, protect American lives, ensure that our defense is adequately funded. But we also need candor from the administration in discussing shortfalls and limitations. The Department of the Air Force is requesting nearly $100 billion in the defense discretionary budget, from $257 enacted to $351 billion that we're evaluating here today. We need, and our nation deserves, a modern Air Force prepared to protect our interests. I'm pleased to see the budget request for the Space Force is increasing.
Air Force fiscal 2027 budget request splits critical programs between base appropriations and reconciliation bill. Senators from both parties say the structure creates risk for Alaska installations and missions.

The Department of the Air Force asked Congress for $338.8 billion in fiscal 2027, a 34 percent jump from last year, to address readiness shortfalls after 25 years of underfunding. Senators questioned splitting the request between base appropriations and a reconciliation package.
