Senator Markey Introduces Bill to Halve Pentagon Spending

The proposal arrives as lawmakers navigate a period of record-setting defense authorization. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently voted 18-9 to advance a $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, while the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee has moved to approve a $1.072 trillion funding package. The administration’s broader request includes $350 billion in supplemental funding for advanced technologies and long-term military programs.

At a Capitol Hill press conference, Markey framed the legislation as a direct challenge to what he termed the corrupt influence of defense contractors. He specifically criticized the awarding of contracts to SpaceX for the Golden Dome missile system. To illustrate the scale of his proposed $750 billion reduction, the senator outlined a series of alternative investments: $220 billion to eliminate national medical debt, $205 billion for high-speed rail infrastructure, $200 billion to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and $125 billion for early childhood education initiatives.