The Pentagon is seen from an airplane, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)2026-04-15T18:46:30Z WASHINGTON (AP) An effort to ramp up U.S. weapons production and build more ships, planes and drones will require a massive upfront investment, President Donald Trumps budget director told a House committee Wednesday.The testimony from Russell Vought jump-starts the White Houses push to increase defense spending to nearly $1.5 trillion in the next budget year, up from nearly $1 trillion this year, while cutting health research, heating assistance and scores of other domestic programs by about 10% overall. Such cuts do not cover mandatory spending, which includes such programs as Social Security and Medicare.The debate over Trumps proposal underscored the sharp divide that will shape some of the most significant policy debates going into a midterm election that will give voters the ultimate say on the direction of the country. For the industrial base to double or triple and build more facilities, not just add shifts, it requires multiyear agreements to purchase into the future, Vought told lawmakers. That cost has to be booked in this first year.The White House is calling for about $1.1 trillion for defense through the regular appropriations process, which typically requires support from both parties for approval. An additional $350 billion would come through a separate bill that Republicans can accomplish on their own, through party-line majority votes. Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the ranking Democratic member of the committee, said he believes in a strong national defense. But he said the idea of increasing defense by more than 40% while cutting programs that people need shows that the Republican administrations priorities are out of whack. Read More The committee chairman, Rep. Jodey Arrington predicted the hearing would be more amped up than usual, and that proved to be true, beginning with his opening statement focused on criticizing Democrat Joe Bidens presidency. Arrington, R-Texas, said he did not know of any president in his lifetime who inherited such a complete and utter mess as President Trump did in January of last year. Since then, Arrington said, Trump has secured the border, cut taxes and constrained nondefense spending. It was the beginning of several back-and-forths at the hearing.You know how bad this economy is when we hear Joe Biden being invoked, we hear trans people being invoked. I was waiting for Jimmy Carter to be blamed next, Boyle said in response to Arringtons opening remarks.Boyle said consumer confidence is plummeting under Trump and noted a gas station he passed in Philadelphia recently was selling gas at $4.11 a gallon versus less than $3 a gallon some six weeks ago because of Trumps war of choice in Iran. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., called the proposed defense spending increase shocking. Weve never in the history of this country seen spending like this, paid for by slashing health care, education and housing, Balint said. Mr. Vought, yes or no, is $350 billion for the war in Iran lowering costs for Americans? It is certainly not defunding child care. We fully fund child care in this budget, Vought said, not directly answering the question.Balint went on to incorporate Trumps America First mantra in her questioning. She said $350 billion could pay for an enhanced health insurance tax credit for 10 years and that her constituents are asking how the country can continue to spend money on wars and not find a solution to helping people afford health care.Vought said the president has made clear he was not going to let Iran have a nuclear weapons, missiles and a navy that affect U.S. national security.He is doing what is necessary to keep us safe, while at the same time trying to pursue diplomacy so that we can get out of wars and lower those costs over time, Vought said.Vought said it was unclear how much the administration would seek to fund the war during the current budget year, which ends Sept. 30. That money would be part of an emergency supplemental spending bill and would be on top of the funds the White House is seeking to boost defense spending next year.Would it be more than $50 billion? asked Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas.Were still working on it, Vought said. I dont have a ballpark for you.