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Topic: Budget

Read the most recent CSIS research on the U.S. defense budget.

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Analysis / Budget

What to Look for in the FY 2022 Defense Budget Request

The Biden administration is expected to release its first budget request for FY 2022 in May. While the request was developed predominantly under the previous administration, it will provide some direction as to the national security priorities of the new administration.

April 29, 2021 — Todd Harrison, Seamus P. Daniels, Mark Cancian, Tom Karako, Wes Rumbaugh
Analysis / Budget, Forces, Strategy

Nuclear Modernization under Competing Pressures

The Biden administration will face early decision points regarding the modernization of critical elements of the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise in an environment buffeted by competing forces and pressures.

February 12, 2021 — Rebecca Hersman, Joseph Rodgers
Analysis / Budget, Strategy

Defense Budget Priorities for the Biden Administration

The Biden administration will shape its defense plans in the midst of the ongoing Covid-19 threat and historically large federal deficits. Seamus Daniels explores the budget landscape and potential priorities for the new Defense Department leadership.

February 2, 2021 — Seamus P. Daniels
Opinion / Budget

Bad Idea: Considering the Debt a Threat to National Security

Austerity hawks who focus overly much on the size of the national debt as an indicator of national security strength are missing the bigger picture. Expected interest rate hikes haven’t materialized, and instead the U.S. is missing opportunities for long-term investment.

December 18, 2020 — Gregory Sanders
Opinion / Budget, Reform

Bad Idea: Eliminating, Rather Than Reforming, Overseas Contingency Operations Funding

Nothing in D.C. has the ability to unite political adversaries like a mutual hatred of the Pentagon’s OCO funding. But eliminating OCO — instead of reforming it — could further imperil the greater transparency and accountability that its detractors seek.

December 18, 2020 — Seamus P. Daniels
Opinion / Budget

Bad Idea: The “Use-It-Or-Lose-It” Law for DoD Spending

The inability to carry over O&M and MILPERS funding into the fiscal year after they are appropriated encourages year-end spending spikes and negative outcomes. This is a problem Congress can easily fix, writes a former DoD comptroller.

December 15, 2020 — The Honorable Robert F. Hale
Opinion / Acquisition, Budget

Bad Idea: Ignoring Congressional Oversight on Space Sensor Development

Congress and DoD both agree that the U.S. needs a space-based system of missile tracking sensors. But disagreement over which agency should oversee its development threatens to undercut the project.

December 4, 2020 — Wes Rumbaugh
F-35 Hot load
Opinion / Acquisition, Budget, Forces

Bad Idea: Failing to Think on the Margins of the Defense Budget

Defense budgeting discussions frequently feature all-or-nothing thinking. But considering the marginal costs and benefits of additional spending can lead to better spending decisions.

December 1, 2020 — Justin Joffrion
Analysis / Budget

What the Continuing Resolution Means for Defense and Space Force Funding in FY 2021

Seamus Daniels and Kaitlyn Johnson analyze the impact of this month’s stopgap spending bill on defense programs and the Space Force.

October 9, 2020 — Seamus P. Daniels, Kaitlyn Johnson
Data / Budget

U.S. Federal Budget Interactive

This interactive tool from the Defense Budget Analysis program provides a breakdown of the inflation-adjusted federal budget from FY 1976 to FY 2025 by agency and by budget function.

September 22, 2020 — Seamus P. Daniels, Mariel de la Garza
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