U.S. defense funding and permitting reform face legislative hurdles

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) has urged Congress to meet the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2027 to bolster national security. A primary focus is the procurement of F-35A stealth fighters. The AFA noted a capability gap compared to China’s reported production goals for the J-20, suggesting that Congress should ensure the Department of the Air Force can execute multiyear procurement authorities and fund production at a rate of at least 60 aircraft per year, or a minimum of 38 per the President’s request.

Separately, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act remains stalled in the U.S. Senate. The bill, which passed the House in December 2025, seeks to reform the National Environmental Policy Act to fast-track energy and infrastructure projects. While House Republicans argue the bill is necessary to reduce regulatory red tape, environmental and clean energy groups, including the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council, oppose the measure, claiming it could weaken environmental protections and favor fossil fuel projects.