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 44/100 on average (262 members scored).
Independents score 50/100 on average (3 members scored).
Republicans score 57/100 on average (271 members scored).
Strongest Voices for Increased Spending
James Risch (Republican-ID, Senator) — score 70/100
Dan Sullivan (Republican-AK, Senator) — score 69/100
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. (September 24, 2026)
To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes. (September 16, 2026)
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. (September 16, 2026)
An act making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes. (September 1, 2026)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 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. (July 22, 2026)