Defense Budget Analysis

The Defense Budget Analysis Program leads the Center’s efforts to provide in-depth, nonpartisan research and analysis of defense funding issues

Led by fellow Seamus Daniels, the program explores trends in the overall defense budget, military readiness, force structure, defense acquisitions, and military compensation in a broader effort to assess the alignment of the country’s defense strategy and its resources.

Contact Information

Featured

Photo: Architect of the Capitol

Photo: Architect of the Capitol

What Are Key Milestones and Decisions Affecting U.S. Defense Spending in 2025?

Congress and the White House face a host of fiscal challenges and decisions over the course of 2025—including the debt ceiling, appropriations for both FY 2025 and FY 2026, and tax cuts—that will impact U.S. defense spending.

Commentary by Seamus P. Daniels — February 14, 2025

All Defense Budget Analysis Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 72 results

Trump Restructures the Pentagon Budget: Two Views

Who should win and lose under Secretary Hegseth’s direction to reallocate 8 percent of DOD’s budget? CSIS experts Mark Cancian and Melissa Dalton took very different approaches in a recent exercise: a global focus (Cancian) versus the implications of the administration's strategy (Dalton).

Report by Mark F. Cancian and Melissa Dalton — April 16, 2025

Dept. of Defense Faces Shutdown Amid Continuing Resolution Uncertainty

On March 14, the current continuing resolution (CR) funding the Department of Defense (DOD) and the rest of the federal government for FY 2025 will expire, and a government shutdown will take effect on March 15 at midnight if Congress does not act. On Tuesday, March 11, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1968 to extend the CR through the end of FY 2025 on September 30, but Senate Democrats oppose the measure in favor of a short-term CR. 

Analysis by Seamus P. Daniels — March 13, 2025

What a Government Shutdown Would Mean for Defense Funding in FY 2025

The continuing resolution that the federal government and Department of Defense currently operate under for FY 2025 will expire on Friday, March 14. Unless Congress passes another CR or full-year appropriations, DOD will face a government shutdown.

Critical Questions by Seamus P. Daniels — March 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

What a Government Shutdown Would Mean for Defense Funding in FY 2025

An audio version of “What a Government Shutdown Would Mean for Defense Funding in FY 2025,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Seamus Daniels. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Seamus P. Daniels — March 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

Fixing the DOD’s Audit Problem

Kristyn Jones, CSIS senior adviser and former chief financial officer of the Air Force, offers her assessment on the DOD’s failure to pass an audit and recommendations for new policymakers to achieve success.

Commentary by Kristyn E. Jones — January 23, 2025

Audio Briefs

Fixing the DOD’s Audit Problem

An audio version of “Fixing the DOD’s Audit Problem,” a new commentary by CSIS's Kristyn E. Jones. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Kristyn E. Jones — January 23, 2025

Audio Briefs