House Republicans plan for $150B defense spending hike in win for defense hawks

Published April 25, 2025 7:00am ET



House Republicans are planning to hike defense spending by $150 billion in the GOP’s budget bill, $50 billion more than the target originally set by the lower chamber in a win for defense hawks.

The GOP’s “one big beautiful” reconciliation bill, which will codify President Donald Trump‘s agenda on the economy, taxes, defense, and border security, is set to hit the floor by Memorial Day week. Committees tasked with sections of the megabill will be holding markups beginning as early as next week as Republicans battle within their ranks over spending cuts and how to extend the expiring tax cuts without increasing the deficit.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.