Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert issued a statement on Apr. 3 regarding President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request, calling it a landmark proposal for rebuilding America’s military. Calvert said the budget prioritizes national security and includes measures such as pay raises for servicemembers, increased munitions production, expanded shipbuilding, and domestic sourcing of critical minerals.
The statement comes as Congress prepares to review and debate the proposed defense spending plan. The budget’s focus on modernizing the military and supporting troops is significant given ongoing global conflicts and evolving threats. “President Trump’s landmark budget request makes the continued rebuilding of America’s military a top priority. As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I applaud the President’s leadership and steadfast commitment to our national security,” Calvert said.
He added that several priorities in the proposal reflect initiatives previously advanced by his subcommittee leadership: “The budget request includes several priorities that echo initiatives the Defense Subcommittee has advanced under my leadership, including historic pay raises for our junior enlisted servicemembers as well as all troops, investing in the production of munitions at scale, increased shipbuilding, and the domestic sourcing of critical minerals.” He also emphasized adapting to changes in warfare: “As we have seen in Ukraine and throughout the Middle East, modern warfare is changing rapidly. It is essential to America’s national security that Congress provides the right resources, in terms of both quality and quantity, to confront the threats we face today and tomorrow.”
Calvert has represented California’s 41st District since 1993 according to official records. He was born in Corona, California in 1953 and continues to reside there. At age 69 according to Vote Smart, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University earned in 1975 according to Vote Smart.
Looking ahead, Calvert said he anticipates upcoming hearings with Department of War leaders: “I look forward to our upcoming budget hearings with Department of War leaders and working with my colleagues to craft a Fiscal Year 2027 defense appropriations bill.”
