As lawmakers unveil budget proposals for 2026, significant developments emerge regarding defense and veteran funding. The House Appropriators have proposed a flat $832 billion funding plan for the Pentagon, which includes a push for increased spending on next-generation systems and a notable boost in Space Force funding. Meanwhile, the GOP aims to allocate $453 billion for Veterans Affairs, addressing benefits and healthcare programs for veterans, including provisions for private doctors. Despite these initiatives, criticism arises over potential impacts on military readiness and the specific needs of servicemembers and their families, prompting a contentious debate amid a backdrop of partisan divides.