Exclusive: US Republicans Propose $27 Billion for 'Golden Dome' in Trump Tax Bill

Washington: Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are advancing a new $150 billion defense spending proposal that includes a major $27 billion allocation toward President Donald Trump’s "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative. The funding package, which will be introduced as part of Trump's sweeping tax bill, aims to significantly expand U.S. military capabilities, particularly in missile defense, shipbuilding, and combat readiness.

The proposed legislation supplements the existing $886 billion national security budget approved for 2025. If passed, it will mark a bold shift in U.S. defense policy and investment strategy, focusing heavily on the Indo-Pacific region to counter perceived threats from China.

Missile Defense and Naval Expansion

The proposed $27 billion earmarked for the Golden Dome project will support the development of additional missile interceptors and the purchase of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. According to congressional aides, SpaceX and two partners are frontrunners for a critical missile-tracking component of the Golden Dome system.

The largest item in the defense package is a $29 billion investment for procuring 14 warships, including unmanned vessels—described as the "largest-ever" investment in such technology. Additionally, $11 billion is set aside for the purchase of around 40 Boeing F-15EX fighter jets and other advanced combat aircraft.

Indo-Pacific Focus and Strategic Technology Development

Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the measure is designed to address the military’s most pressing strategic needs. "Strength, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, will make China less eager to break the status quo," Wicker stated, underscoring the bill’s aim to deter conflict through military readiness.

To bolster technological advancements, $14 billion will be allocated to adopt artificial intelligence across defense systems and develop lower-cost weaponry, a lesson learned from the scale of warfare in Ukraine. An additional $5 billion will be invested in autonomous systems—ten times the amount previously allotted by the Biden administration.

Industrial Base, Munitions, and Critical Resources

The bill proposes $20 billion to expand the defense industrial base, including production of new munitions, supplier growth, and replenishment of critical mineral reserves. Another $6 billion will directly support weapons procurement tailored for Pacific deployment.

In a push for operational efficiency, $700 million is allocated to modernize the Department of Defense’s audit and business processes using automated systems.

Long-Term Investment and Reconciliation Strategy

A key feature of the bill is that much of the allocated funding will not expire at the end of the fiscal year, providing longer-term financial certainty for defense programs. The measure is expected to move through the budget reconciliation process, allowing passage with a simple majority vote in Congress—bypassing the typical 60-vote requirement.

House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers emphasized the urgency, stating that he hopes the bill will reach the president’s desk as soon as possible. "We’re revitalizing our defense industrial base, strengthening our ability to deter adversaries like China, and giving our servicemembers the support they deserve," Rogers said.

With broad Republican alignment and direct coordination with the White House, the proposed defense expansion marks a major step toward reshaping America’s strategic military posture for the years ahead.