U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has released the defense portion of a reconciliation bill aimed at modernizing America’s military and strengthening national security. The bill was developed in coordination with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the White House, and the Department of Defense.
Senator Wicker stated, “This bill is a landmark down payment toward the modernization of our military and our defense capabilities. It represents a generational upgrade for our national security with historic funding for Golden Dome, American manufacturing, innovative unmanned technology, and new shipbuilding efforts.” He credited President Trump, Chairman Rogers, and Secretary Hegseth for their leadership in making this possible.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers expressed his commitment to implementing President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda alongside Senator Wicker. “The House and Senate Armed Services Committees are committed to implementing President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda with a generational investment in our national defense,” Rogers said.
The legislation includes significant investments across various sectors: $9 billion to improve servicemember quality of life; $29 billion for shipbuilding; $25 billion for Golden Dome initiatives; $23 billion to re-stock munitions; $16 billion for next-gen weapons production; $400 million to accelerate DOD audits through AI; $9 billion for fighter fleet expansion; $15 billion for nuclear modernization; $12 billion for Pacific infrastructure rebuilds; $16 billion for readiness improvements; and $3.3 billion for military border support.
In December 2024, Senator Wicker introduced the FORGED Act aimed at reforming Pentagon efficiency by delivering better weapons faster while maximizing taxpayer dollars. Since becoming Chairman, he has outlined a defense investment plan focused on rebuilding military capabilities and infrastructure.
