Biden administration issues Department of Defense funding request

The Biden-Harris administration has issued to Congress its priorities for fiscal year 2022 Department of Defense discretionary spending.

The $715 billion funding request invests in the core foundations of the nation’s strength while advancing key Department of Defense priorities that include defending the nation; Department of Defense innovation and modernization; building resilience and readiness; take care of military members, families, and civilian personnel; and succeeding via teamwork.

“The pursuit of our national security interests requires investments that target and align our priorities and capabilities to address the constantly evolving and dynamic threat landscape,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said. “The President’s discretionary funding request represents an important investment that will ensure the Department’s resources are matched with our strategy and policy to defend the nation and take care of our people while revitalizing the key alliances and partnerships to succeed.”

The discretionary request addresses national threats by prioritizing the need to counter the pacing threat from China as the Department’s top challenge while deterring nation-state threats emanating from Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Funding investments in long-range strike capabilities would bolster deterrence and improve survivability while promoting climate resilience and energy efficiencies.

Additionally, the Department of Defense would support research and development to spur innovation, optimize U.S. Navy shipbuilding, modernize the nuclear deterrent, and invest in hypersonics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, microelectronics, and quantum science.