Thank goodness the Founding Fathers knew to let Congress get the last word on how, whether, and how much to spend on providing for the national defense. The recently released defense policy bill—which authorizes end strength levels, delivers oversight, and provides funding guidance for the Defense Department—is a much-needed vote of confidence in the US military.

First, Congress showed leadership in tackling rampant and sustained inflation. Despite having unhelpful partners at the Pentagon, Congress has avoided another sequestration-like disaster by generously increasing funds above the president’s below-inflation request.

And it’s a good thing they did.

A recent end-of-the-year wish list from the Pentagon shows inflation’s raging effects in the defense budget. Take just one example: fuel. Defense leaders estimated fuel would cost about $120 per barrel this fiscal year. Currently, the costs are closer to $175 per barrel. Congress provided an additional $4.2 billion for fuel as a result—thereby keeping pilots flying, ships steaming and vehicles driving.

Congress also has reversed many of the shortsighted proposals by Pentagon leaders in the name of efficiency but that would have immediate and deleterious impact on combatant commanders’ needs around the world due to reduced capacity.

The defense bill increases shipbuilding construction above the White House’s request for eight and instead buys 11 ships. The legislation also prevents the early retirement of a dozen ships with service life remaining. Members smartly prohibited the retirement of F-22 aircraft, added additional funds for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and directed the establishment of a Joint Force Headquarters in the Pacific.

Congress also showed strong support for the defense industrial base by stopping the Pentagon from closing “one-way” doors by permanently shutting down needed manufacturing lines. Programs such as the San Antonio-class amphibious warship, Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters, and the Air Force’s combat rescue helicopter all saw increasing cash flow from Capitol Hill to prevent shutdown, steady production, and maintain capability for the military.

Similarly, Congress took the lead on backfilling munitions stocks across the board to assist Ukraine while trying to more robustly replenish domestic stockpiles in the event of a conflict over Taiwan. Congress is taking the long view and expanding production capacity for key missiles, munitions and artillery. In a big win for the taxpayer, the defense bill allows the Pentagon to enter into multi-year contracts for nearly all key munitions.

Nor did the legislative branch focus solely on weapons and equipment. Congress maxed out funds for facilities maintenance for every service and component. Like munitions in previous years, this account is often a preferred bill payer when money is tight. But the troops notice mold-infested bases and aging infrastructure falling apart all around them and are voting with their feet.

Those in uniform should take comfort knowing their concerns are being heard and addressed on Capitol Hill. The 2023 defense policy bill cannot be signed into law soon enough.

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