Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Newsmax Thursday he is frustrated that the new defense authorization bill contains billions in wasteful spending.
Lawmakers voted Wednesday after fraught negotiations to move forward with a 2025 defense budget that raises troops' pay but blocks funding of gender transition care for some transgender children of service members.
The centerpiece of the $884 billion National Defense Authorization Act — which was green-lit by the Republican-led House but still needs Senate approval — is a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted service members and 4.5% for other personnel.
"It has a $9 billion increase of money that we don't have," Burchett said on "Newsline." "We're eventually going to have to do something with the Pentagon other than just give them a rubber stamp of everything they want."
Burchett said the Pentagon refuses to conduct an audit.
"We've got to do better as taxpayers," Burchett said. "I like the good stuff in there, but the payment is just going to drag us down. We're $36 trillion in debt. We add another trillion every 100 days. So I worry about bills like this."
The congressman said he is forced to vote on 3,000-page bills with only a couple of hours' notice.
"Everybody's just going to look down and see which lobbyists they need to grease or what project they need back home. And it's wrong," Burchett said. "This election, I hope it had consequences, but I'm growing doubtful about it every day."
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE – See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.