Defense spending refers to the money a government allocates for military and defense purposes. The political debate about defense spending often focuses on how much should be spent on the military, balancing the need for national security with other priorities like education and healthcare. Some argue for increasing the defense budget, while others advocate for reducing it in favor of diplomatic solutions.
On defense spending, VoteSee scores every member of Congress on a spectrum from Increased Spending (Supports increased government spending to benefit all citizens) to Decreased Spending (Supports reduced spending and lower national debt), based on their actual votes.
Where the Parties Stand on Defense Spending
Democrats score 56/100 on average (255 members scored).
Independents score 55/100 on average (3 members scored).
Republicans score 55/100 on average (269 members scored).
Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes. (February 3, 2026)
Making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes. (November 13, 2025)
Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes. (October 16, 2025)
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. (October 10, 2025)
A bill making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes. (October 9, 2025)