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Kelly says $1.5 T Defense Spike Risks Missile Shortage

5/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Mark Kelly warned that the defense budget request of $1.5 trillion, a 42 percent increase over 2026, could leave the U.S. vulnerable by exhausting critical munitions for conflicts with China.
He criticized the proposed space-based “Golden Dome” missile-defense system as technically difficult and likely wasteful.
Kelly said the Iran war has cost $50 billion, has depleted missile inventories, and noted his lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may reach the Supreme Court.

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Story summary

Senator Mark Kelly warned that the defense budget request of $1.5 trillion, a 42 percent increase over 2026, could leave the U.S. vulnerable by exhausting critical munitions for conflicts with China.
He criticized the proposed space-based “Golden Dome” missile-defense system as technically difficult and likely wasteful.
Kelly said the Iran war has cost $50 billion, has depleted missile inventories, and noted his lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may reach the Supreme Court.