Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Jun 27, ’25]
Jun 27, 2025
Join Michael Herson, a top lobbyist at American Defense International, Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, Jim Townsend, ex-Pentagon Europe chief, and Dr. Patrick Cronin, Asia Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute, as they dive into pressing geopolitical issues. They discuss GOP opposition to President Trump’s budget, military operations in Iran, and Israel’s ongoing strikes in Gaza. The conversation also touches on Xi Jinping’s absence from a key meeting and the implications of Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York's mayoral primary.
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Parliamentarian Impacts Budget Bill
- The Senate parliamentarian has struck down major budget provisions, reducing the savings and angering Republicans.
- Leadership won't overrule the parliamentarian to avoid a dangerous precedent, making the bill's passage uncertain.
Budget Gimmicks and Rescissions Risk
- The biggest budget gimmick under review is including Trump tax cuts in the current baseline, crucial for added tax cuts.
- The administration may use "pocket rescissions" to unilaterally cut funding without congressional approval.
Defense Budget Complexities Revealed
- The defense budget base is actually shrinking in real terms, with increases coming from reconciliation funds.
- Programs like the F-35 face cuts in buy numbers, risking higher prices and industrial base challenges.