Asking for $842 billion
Let me explain this tweet from last week:
In December, Congress passed a record $858 billion defense budget. This was $45 billion more than what President Biden had requested. I voted against it, because while I supported the steps it took to pay our troops more fairly, I couldn't support a bill that spends billions more than our Commander in Chief even requested.
But did you know that the Pentagon hasn't passed a single independent audit in years?
The lack of financial oversight over the Pentagon means one group of people benefit more and more each year—Big Defense Contractors.
Defense contractors and corporations' pockets are being padded thanks to their influence in politics. In fact, defense contractors spent $101 million on lobbying in just the first three quarters of 2022.
Lax Pentagon oversight coupled with a lack of accountability is wasteful, reckless, and unacceptable. As a champion of oversight, I have worked to ensure that taxpayer dollars won't be handouts to private defense contractors—which is why I'm speaking out against the proposed $842 billion Pentagon budget for 2023.
Until there is financial oversight over how these billions in taxpayer dollars are being spent—and proof that it isn't going straight to defense contractors' pockets—I'm a hard no on increasing the budget.
By reducing some of this wasteful spending, we could make investments in childcare, education, clean energy, affordable housing, and so much more.
If you agree, will you chip in today so I can continue to hold Big Defense Contractors accountable in the U.S. Senate?
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If you send me to the U.S. Senate, I'll continue to serve as a tireless advocate for those who serve our country. But we cannot let irresponsible government handouts to private defense contractors come before delivering for taxpayers. We deserve better.
We can stop corporate interests from dictating our budgets. Will you pitch in today to send me to the U.S. Senate so I can fight on behalf of working people, not defense contractors?
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Onward,
Katie Porter
