Investing in Readiness: Appropriators Examine U.S. Army FY27 Budget Request
Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing with Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Vice Chief of the Army and Acting Chief of Staff of the Army General Christopher LaNeve.
The proceeding focused on the United States Army's budget request for Fiscal Year 2027, providing Appropriators the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Trump Administration's priorities and ask questions on the Army's plans for the near and long-term future.
Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) said, "The United States Army remains the preeminent fighting force in the world. Today, we face a multitude of threats from across the globe that only grow in complexity and scale. As threats evolve, it is imperative that we prioritize investments that not only contribute to current readiness, but also provide us with a decisive advantage on any future battlefield. Against this backdrop, the Army's continuous transformation efforts to become a leaner, more lethal force are being tested. Such threats have been nowhere more visible than what we have witnessed as a result of Operation Epic Fury... Recent conflicts in the Central Command theater of operations have also underscored the need for low-cost, mass munitions. While our most exquisite munitions have proven successful on the battlefield, we must also invest in capabilities that drive the cost curve down. In order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex security environment, including future events that may unfold in the Indo-Pacific, we must obtain and sustain the ability to field affordable effectors at volume."
Chairman Calvert's full remarks are available here.
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, "Operation Epic Fury has proven that American military might is the strength freedom can count on. Our soldiers, weapon systems, and stockpiles must never be taken for granted – they are the foundation of our ability to sustain prolonged conflict while countering other threats across the globe. Make no mistake, China continues to modernize its military, expand its global influence, and assert its posture in the Indo-Pacific whether the United States is watching or not. The United States Army's role in deterring this threat, and prevailing if deterrence fails, has never been more important... And to our troops – at home and abroad – we are grateful for your service, we are committed to ensuring you have what you need to succeed, and we will continue to back you with the full strength of the United States of America."
Chairman Cole's full remarks are available here.
Aligned with Article I responsibilities, the House Appropriations Committee is continuing its work on FY27 funding, ensuring the United States Army has the resources it needs to be the most lethal fighting force in the world, while also providing robust oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively.
