WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following response to the release of the text for the upcoming full committee markup for the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.

“While there may be bipartisan support for investing in defense spending that supports the quality of life of our service members and their families, readiness, innovation, and modernization, these investments should be considered through the normal authorization and appropriations process.

“This legislation would increase defense spending by $150 billion through a partisan budget reconciliation gimmick. It will be paid for by devastating cuts that can only come from critical programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and student loan and grant programs at the Department of Education. And to add insult to injury, this will all be part of a legislative package that provides $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy but does nothing to lower costs for American families.

“For over six decades, House Armed Services Democrats have stood proudly with our Republican colleagues in investing prudently in the greatest sources of America’s strength: service members and their families, world-leading innovations, modernization, and our continued commitment to allies and partners. I am ready and remain committed to working with my colleagues across the aisle to pass a responsible budget that meets our defense needs. We can and should do this without requiring the most vulnerable among us to carry the burden of the costs on their backs.”

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