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House Appropriations panel presses Air Force leaders over FY‑26 skinny budget and reconciliation plan
Summary
House appropriators pressed Department of the Air Force leaders about an incomplete FY‑26 budget, reliance on reconciliation for billions in defense funding, and the difficulty of planning under a continuing resolution.
Acting Secretary of the Air Force Frank Ashworth and senior service leaders told the House Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee on oversight that the department is finalizing fiscal year 2026 budget details but that members remain concerned about the White House’s “skinny” request and heavy reliance on reconciliation funding.
Committee members said the administration’s brief topline—paired with an assumption that roughly $113 billion would come through reconciliation—makes it difficult for appropriators to plan and risks shortfalls if reconciliation fails. “The reconciliation process is not a sustainable approach to resourcing defense,” said Chairman Ken Calvert. “It’s not a substitute for regular appropriations.”
The issue matters because, lawmakers said, a lack of detailed allocations hampers the committee’s…
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