Here are some new details in the budget and defense budget appropriations process, which kicks off next week when the administration sends its budget request to Capitol Hill:

• The budget will include the biggest ever request for R&D, according to Bloomberg News, citing an interview with Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.
• The Navy is already getting pushback from Congress on anticipated plans to retire the USS Truman a decade early, cutting the number of carriers from 11 to 10. “Let me be clear, we cannot allow this critical piece of the United States Naval Force to atrophy,” Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) wrote in a Breaking Defense opinions piece. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told Breaking Defense the proposal is “mind-boggling.”
• The House will try to pass all its appropriations bills by June 30, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Wednesday, according to CQ.
• Hoyer also told CQ he is working with Senate leaders on a deal to raise or eliminate defense and nondefense spending caps. “I think they want to get this work done,” he said, according to CQ. “They don’t want to see a shutdown. They don’t want to see a dysfunctional appropriations process.”

 
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin R. Pacheco