Obama's 2016 Budget Plans To Exceed Spending Caps, Outrages Republicans

Republicans in the GOP will be tasked with choosing between two of their policy aims in the coming weeks— reducing government spending and defense support.

President Obama’s 2016 budget proposal, up for review in congress next week, is set to exceed the spending caps agreed to in 2011 and has already sparked a heated debate in Washington.

Bloated Budget

The President is proposing a $534 billion defense budget, which tops the $499 billion spending cap by $35 billion. As it stands, the current budget would trigger spending cuts in other areas, called sequestration.

The Pentagon says that in order to maintain the U.S.’ current defense strategy, the higher budget, which includes an order for additional Lockheed Martin Corp LMT F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, is necessary.

To Sequester, Or Not To Sequester

Republicans are divided over how to broach the issue, with some saying the sequestration laws are hindering the nation’s ability to protect itself while others say cutting down on military spending is necessary to run an efficient defense program. 

However, even if Republicans are able to agree, Democrats in congress are unlikely to allow more military spending without increases in other areas as well.

Behind The Times

On Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work raised concerns that U.S. weapons development was quickly falling behind that of nations like China and Russia.

Related Link: 2016 Budget Promising For Defense Contractors

His comments lent support to the argument that the U.S. should up its defense spending. Obama’s 2016 budget earmarks $107.7 billion for weapons procurement and $69.8 billion for research, something Work says is necessary in the changing military landscape. 

Work is not the only one urging the U.S. to increase its investment in developing military technology.

As the use for autonomous weapons and robotics becomes more and more evident, companies like Boeing Co BA and Lockheed Martin have encouraged the pentagon to expand their spend in order to further develop those types of technology.