Bipartisan Call for Action at Reagan Defense Forum
At the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum held this past weekend in Simi Valley, California, top defense officials, lawmakers, and policy analysts converged to assess America’s military readiness and budgetary direction at a time of mounting geopolitical uncertainty. The tone of discussion underscored a growing bipartisan consensus on the need for sustained—and possibly increased—defense spending, particularly in response to the rising threats posed by China and Russia.
According to an article titled “From Hegseth to the Hill: Defense Budget Talk at the Reagan National Defense Forum” published by Breaking Defense, speakers at the forum emphasized the enduring challenge of preparing the U.S. military not only for traditional conflicts but also for evolving domains such as cyber warfare, space, and artificial intelligence. Lawmakers warned that without predictable and increased funding, efforts to modernize the force and deter near-peer rivals could falter.
The report highlighted proposed defense topline increases for FY26, with several members of Congress stressing the importance of avoiding budgetary gridlock and the damaging effects of continuing resolutions. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that “we have basically disarmed with regard to naval supremacy” and reiterated the need for a larger shipbuilding budget. Similarly, Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) warned of the narrowing window to effectively deter Chinese ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite the usual political divisions, there appeared to be a rare alignment across the aisle. Democratic and Republican participants stressed that defense funding must remain stable and responsive to strategic realities rather than subject to the vicissitudes of domestic politics. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) was quoted emphasizing the imperative of balancing budget discipline with strategic necessity, arguing that “we’re going to pay now or we’re going to pay later.”
The event was also marked by the presence of former military officers turned media personalities such as Pete Hegseth, who hosted a Fox Nation panel focusing on veterans’ affairs and military readiness. While not central to the defense budget discussions, Hegseth’s presence highlighted the broadening public discourse around national defense and military culture.
The forum’s broader message conveyed an urgency to act decisively amid rising global tensions, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and concerns over a possible Chinese move against Taiwan. The Pentagon’s shift toward integrated deterrence—leveraging allied cooperation, economic tools, and emerging technologies—was seen as a necessary evolution, but one that requires both political will and financial investment.
Perhaps most striking was the undercurrent of concern that America may be entering an era where its post-Cold War military superiority is no longer guaranteed. Participants repeated the phrase “decisive decade,” underscoring a belief that decisions made in the next few years could define U.S. security for generations. As policymakers returned to Washington, expectations grew that discussions at the Reagan Forum would translate into tangible commitments in next year’s defense authorization process.
