Rogers says FY27 defense budget reflects the true cost of deterrence

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said Tuesday that the Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request is the first in about 40 years to account for the true cost of American deterrence.

Rogers made the remark in his opening statement as the committee held its full hearing on the Department of Defense’s FY27 budget request. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine were scheduled as witnesses.

In the committee’s statement, Rogers said the request includes major increases for operations and maintenance, procurement, research and development, military end strength and facility repair. The statement framed the plan as a large-scale rebuild of U.S. deterrence and readiness.

The hearing comes as Congress begins its review of the Pentagon request, with lawmakers expected to press the administration on spending priorities and the details of the budget in the months ahead.

AP and Defense One both reported Rogers’ comments on April 29, underscoring the hearing’s significance as the defense budget debate begins to take shape.