Congress approved a 2024 defense budget totaling $886 billion. That is up 3% from last year and the largest defense budget ever for the U.S. and by FAR the largest in the world.
China this year approved a 7.2% defense budget increase but that total is still only $224 billion. China has the world’s largest military but somehow spends a quarter of what the U.S. spends to maintain it.
The White House had originally asked for $842 billion but Congress tacked on more for Ukraine plus an extra $37 billion to “modernize US nuclear capabilities.”
A few noteworthy takeaways from the budget: It introduces the new Space National Guard and establishes what are called “sex neutral fitness standards.” It also authorizes military action to combat the fentanyl crisis.
The bill heads to the President’s desk to sign it, which he undoubtedly will.
