FY2018 Defense Budget
Trump's $603 billion defense proposal is about 10 percent above the $549 billion budget cap, which lawmakers would have to repeal to grant the president's proposal. Congress defense hawks like Sen. John McCain, say the Pentagon needs $640 billion. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry is calling for a $91 billion increase to defense spending. This would mean a 2018 base budget of $640 billion, much higher than the Budget Control Act cap of $549 billion.
