U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a fact sheet addressing the implications of the Fiscal Responsibility Act's (FRA) spending caps on essential nondefense programs for FY25. In her remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Murray emphasized the inadequacy of the FRA’s 1% increase for domestic programs following an effective freeze in nondefense funding in FY24.
"The FRA caps for FY24 are already causing serious pain and serious challenges, and the caps for FY25 are grossly inadequate," stated Senator Murray. She highlighted that while defense funding increased by nearly $30 billion under the FRA, both defense and nondefense funding are set to rise by just 1% in FY25.
Senator Murray stressed that a mere 1% increase is insufficient to cope with inflation and rising costs. "I can’t emphasize enough that, under the caps for nondefense, everything struggles to keep up with rising costs," she said. "So, to me, the path for the Senate is clear: we have got to provide additional resources beyond the caps to address major shortfalls and new challenges."
The fact sheet outlines how a 1% increase does not meet current needs or emerging challenges, leading to underinvestment in key services and potential cuts. "Nondefense discretionary funding has been consistently underfunded and is a constant target for cuts by House Republicans," continued Senator Murray. "If we keep cutting, stretching, and shortchanging these programs, something is going to snap—something important."
Top lawmakers have proposed significant increases in defense funding for FY25—up to $55 billion above FRA’s cap. Senator Murray called for parity between defense and nondefense funding. "Parity is not new—and it is not some antiquated concept," she noted. "We cannot shortchange either side of the ledger."
Senator Murray expressed her readiness to work with colleagues on a bipartisan solution and announced plans to hold the first markup of Senate’s FY25 funding bills during the week of July 8. “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to make sure we meet this moment,” she concluded.
